Tommy Dorfman, best known for her breakout role as the complex and often manipulative poet Ryan Shaver in the hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, has publicly announced that she is a trans woman. This revelation, shared in an intimate interview with author Torrey Peters for TIME Magazine, marks a significant moment for the actress and for broader conversations around gender identity in Hollywood and beyond. For audiences who first came to know Dorfman through her compelling portrayal in 13 Reasons Why, this announcement is not just a personal milestone, but also an opportunity to understand her journey of self-discovery and embrace her authentic identity.
Dorfman’s portrayal of Ryan Shaver in 13 Reasons Why was lauded for its nuance and complexity, showcasing her talent for embodying multifaceted characters. While the series itself sparked considerable debate, Dorfman’s performance remained a consistent highlight, earning her recognition and a dedicated fanbase. However, behind the public persona, Dorfman has been privately navigating her gender identity for the past year. As she explained to Peters, “For a year now, I have been privately identifying and living as a woman—a trans woman.” This wasn’t a sudden decision but a year-long journey of self-discovery and medical transition, now brought into the light.
In the interview, Dorfman thoughtfully reframes the concept of “coming out,” stating, “It’s funny to think about coming out, because I haven’t gone anywhere. I view today as a reintroduction to me as a woman, having made a transition medically. Coming out is always viewed as this grand reveal, but I was never not out. Today is about clarity: I am a trans woman. My pronouns are she/her. My name is Tommy.” This perspective emphasizes that her transition is not about becoming someone new, but rather a deeper alignment with her true self. She’s not abandoning her past, but evolving, becoming “more Tommy.” This resonates with many who see transition not as a complete overhaul, but as an affirmation of their inner identity.
For those who followed Dorfman’s public presence, particularly on Instagram, her transition may have seemed “obvious,” as Peters noted. Dorfman herself acknowledged this, describing her Instagram as “a diaristic time capsule…one that shows a body living in a more fluid space.” She chose to share aspects of her journey implicitly, but recognized the need for explicit clarity to control her own narrative and address the public discourse surrounding her body. This decision speaks to the challenges faced by public figures navigating personal transitions under the constant scrutiny of media and social media.
Dorfman’s choice to retain her name, Tommy, is also significant. Named after her uncle, she feels a deep connection to it, viewing her transition as an “evolution of Tommy.” This rejects the traditional narrative of trans people needing to completely shed their past identities, instead embracing transition as a process of growth and self-actualization. It’s about becoming more authentically herself, not erasing who she was.
She also addresses the unrealistic expectation that trans people must disappear during their medical transition. “It’s completely unrealistic and unsustainable, especially when trans people are some of the most disenfranchised and disadvantaged people,” Dorfman points out. This highlights the practical realities of transition, especially for those who cannot afford to put their lives on hold. It calls for greater understanding and acceptance of diverse transition experiences.
Dorfman’s interview comes at a crucial time, amidst increasing legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly targeting trans youth. She underscores the urgency of personal and collective action, advocating for personalized activism, supporting local organizations, and education. Her public announcement, therefore, is not just a personal revelation, but also a form of advocacy, increasing visibility and representation for the trans community.
Choosing TIME Magazine as the platform for her announcement connects Dorfman to a lineage of prominent figures who have shared their coming out stories with the publication, including Laverne Cox, Elliot Page, and Ellen DeGeneres. She sees her “intervention” as part of an “evolution,” contributing to the ongoing and dynamic narrative of gender fluidity and transition. By sharing her story in TIME, she joins a powerful conversation about identity and representation on a mainstream platform.
For Dorfman, the personal and professional are inextricably linked. Her body and face are part of her career, and she acknowledges the initial fear that transitioning might jeopardize her acting opportunities. However, she declares her disinterest in playing “male” characters going forward, embracing roles that align with her trans identity. Lena Dunham has already cast her in a role as a woman, signaling a positive shift in the industry and a validation of Dorfman’s path.
Looking ahead, Dorfman is excited about integrating her “trans body” into her work and life. She speaks candidly about the disorienting yet exhilarating experience of “going through puberty again” at 29, and how it is reshaping her romantic partnerships and her understanding of herself. She also touches upon the complex emotions of transition, acknowledging the element of “grief and loss” alongside the liberation and clarity. While celebrating the affirmation of her true self, she also recognizes what she might be leaving behind and the need to “reckon” with those changes. Ultimately, Dorfman’s journey is towards “radical honesty,” embracing vulnerability and authenticity in all aspects of her life.
Tommy Dorfman’s public declaration is more than just a celebrity announcement. It’s a powerful statement about embracing one’s true identity, navigating transition in the public eye, and contributing to a more inclusive and understanding world. For fans who admired her in 13 Reasons Why and beyond, this is an invitation to witness and support her ongoing journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution. Her story is a vital contribution to the evolving narrative of trans identity, offering hope, courage, and a powerful example of living authentically.
