Hunter Schafer: A Multifaceted Talent in Acting, Modeling, and Activism

Hunter Schafer has become a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and social advocacy, blending her talents as an actress, model, and activist to inspire and influence a global audience. Born on December 31, 1998, in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Schafer’s journey from a young transgender activist to a celebrated Hollywood star is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and commitment to social justice. This blog post explores her life, career, recent activities, and the impact she continues to make.

Early Life and Activism

Hunter Schafer’s early years were marked by self-discovery and courage. Born to parents Katy and Mac Schafer, a Presbyterian minister, she grew up in a supportive family alongside three younger siblings—two sisters and a brother. In seventh grade, Schafer identified as a gay boy, but by eighth grade, she began experiencing gender dysphoria. Diagnosed in ninth grade, she came out as transgender and began her transition, using platforms like YouTube and social media to navigate her identity (Wikipedia).

Her activism took center stage in 2016 when, as a high school student at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she became the youngest plaintiff in the ACLU and Lambda Legal’s lawsuit, Carcaño v. McCrory, against North Carolina’s Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act (HB2), commonly known as the “bathroom bill.” This law required individuals to use restrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth, which Schafer and others argued was discriminatory. Her efforts contributed to the bill’s eventual repeal, and she gained recognition through an essay in Teen Vogue and inclusion in their 2017 “21 Under 21” list (Teen Vogue). Her father, Mac, has also publicly supported her and the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing their faith-driven advocacy (People).

Career Highlights

Visual Arts and Modeling

Schafer’s creative talents extend beyond activism. She developed skills in watercolor painting and clothing design, inspired by artists like Tim Burton and Skottie Young. Her artwork was featured on Instagram and profiled by Huffington Post in 2017. After graduating from the North Carolina School of the Arts’ Visual Arts program, she was a 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program semifinalist.

In 2017, Schafer signed with Elite Model Management and began modeling for global brands such as Dior, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Helmut Lang, and Versace. She debuted at New York Fashion Week and modeled in Europe, appearing in Marie Claire and planning to study clothing design for nonbinary individuals at Central Saint Martins (IMDb). Her modeling career continued to flourish, with ambassador roles for Prada (2021), Shiseido Makeup (2022), and Mugler’s Angel perfume (2023).

Acting Breakthrough

Schafer’s acting career began with her debut role as Jules Vaughn in HBO’s Euphoria (2019–present), a series exploring the lives of high school students grappling with drugs, sex, and identity (HBO). Her portrayal of Jules, a transgender teenager, earned critical praise for its authenticity and emotional depth, winning her awards like the Shorty Award, MTV Movie & TV Award, and Dorian Award. She also co-wrote the 2021 special episode “Fuck Anyone Who’s Not a Sea Blob,” showcasing her storytelling skills.

Her film roles include The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), where she starred alongside Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler, and Cuckoo (2024), her first lead role in a Neon thriller opposite Dan Stevens and Jessica Henwick. Schafer also had a cameo in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness (2024) and recently wrapped production on Mother Mary, starring alongside Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel for A24. Upcoming projects include the Blade Runner 2099 series and the OD video game.

Directing and Brand Ambassadorship

Schafer made her directorial debut with Girl in Red’s “hornylovesickmess” music video in 2022 and later directed Anohni and the Johnsons’ “Why Am I Alive Now?” in 2023. Her work as a brand ambassador for Prada, Shiseido, and Mugler has further solidified her status as a fashion icon, with appearances for Alexander McQueen and Schiaparelli.

Recent Activities and Controversies

Schafer’s commitment to activism remains strong. On February 27, 2024, she was arrested at a Jewish Voice for Peace protest in New York City, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza during President Joe Biden’s appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The protest, held outside 30 Rockefeller Center, drew significant attention, with some praising her dedication and others questioning the approach (X post).

In February 2025, Schafer revealed in a TikTok video that her new passport, issued after her original was stolen while filming in Spain, listed her gender as male despite her selecting female on the application. This was due to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office, which recognizes only two genders based on sex assigned at birth. Schafer stated, “It doesn’t really change anything about me or my transness. However, it does make my life a little harder,” emphasizing the resilience of transgender individuals (AP News). Her comments inspired others, including Marcy Rheintgen, who faced similar issues under Florida’s anti-trans laws.

Impact and Legacy

Hunter Schafer’s journey reflects a powerful blend of artistry and advocacy. Her role in Euphoria has resonated with audiences, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, for its authentic portrayal of transgender experiences. Her activism, from challenging discriminatory laws to advocating for global issues, underscores her commitment to social change, though her protest activities have sparked varied reactions. As she continues to take on diverse roles in film, fashion, and directing, Schafer’s influence is poised to grow, making her a significant figure in both entertainment and social discourse.

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