Hubbry Logo
Hunter SchaferHunter SchaferMain
Open search
Hunter Schafer
Community hub
Hunter Schafer
logo
17 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Hunter Schafer (born December 31, 1998) is an American actress, model and activist. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, she came to public attention after joining a 2016 lawsuit against North Carolina's Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, a so-called "bathroom bill" which prevented transgender people from using public bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity. For her activism, she was named to Teen Vogue's "21 under 21" list in 2017.

Key Information

Schafer has studied watercolor painting and clothing design; in 2017, she began work as a fashion model for various brands. Schafer had initially planned to attend an arts college to study clothing design further, and to open a studio and gallery for trans artists, but she instead decided to transition to acting.

Schafer made her acting debut as transgender high school student Jules Vaughn in the HBO teen drama television series Euphoria (2019–present), which garnered her critical praise; she co-wrote a special episode for the series as well. She has since starred in the films The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) and Cuckoo (2024). Schafer also serves as brand ambassador for Shiseido Makeup, Prada and Mugler.

Early life

[edit]

Schafer was born on December 31, 1998,[1] in Trenton, New Jersey.[2] Her father was a pastor, and the family moved between churches and congregations in New Jersey, Arizona, and finally Raleigh, North Carolina,[2][3] where Schafer was raised.[4] She has three younger siblings: two sisters and a brother.[5] Schafer said she started expressing femininity as a toddler. In seventh grade, Schafer came out to her parents as a gay boy; however, she started experiencing gender dysphoria in eighth grade. In ninth grade, she came out as a transgender girl and began transitioning after being diagnosed with dysphoria.[6][7][8] She had also questioned if she had a non-binary identity.[4] She stated that the Internet helped her cope with her gender identity, as she turned to YouTube and social media to learn about people's transition timelines.[6]

Schafer first made headlines in 2016 when she became the youngest name listed as a plaintiff on a lawsuit filed by the ACLU and Lambda Legal,[9][10] Carcaño v. McCrory, against the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act. The bill prevented trans people from using the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity, instead deciding bathroom usage based on their assigned sex at birth.[11] The lawsuit led to the bill's repeal.[11][12] While acting as a plaintiff, she made a film protesting the bill, which was released by the online magazine Rookie.[12] She also wrote about the bill in a widely-shared essay for Teen Vogue in July 2016.[13][14] For her activism, including her activism against the Act, Teen Vogue listed Schafer on its 2017 "21 Under 21" list of women and femme trailblazers under the age of 21 and granted her an interview with Hillary Clinton.[15][16]

In early childhood, Schafer developed skills in visual arts, including watercolor painting; in high school, she used these skills to design clothes. The inspirations for her visual style were Tim Burton and Skottie Young. She posted watercolor and photography works on her Instagram account, which became popular. Her clothing designs, which often incorporated political activist messaging, were profiled by Huffington Post in 2017.[17] She contributed illustrations and comic art to Rookie,[12][18] as well as essays.[13] She went to Needham B. Broughton High School and transferred to the North Carolina School of the Arts, where she graduated from its high school visual arts program.[19] In 2017, Schafer became a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.[20]

Career

[edit]

Schafer started modeling shortly after high school.[21] She wanted to use the privileges of "looking like a model" to deconstruct ideas regarding gender identity. In 2017, she signed with Elite Model Management after meeting an agent of theirs on Instagram, so she moved to Brooklyn to model in New York City.[9][22] She first worked with Dior and Marc Jacobs, among other brands,[23] and by the end of the year she had modeled for Converse, Gucci, Helmut Lang, and Versus Versace.[5] In early 2018, she walked for nine fashion houses including Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, and House of Holland. She made her debut at New York Fashion Week and traveled abroad for the first time to model in Europe.[9][12] She started appearing in fashion magazines around the world; Marie Claire magazine wrote: "the fashion industry embraced Schafer for her ethereal yet edgy look and cool-kid versatility".[22] She has also modeled for multiple other brands.[a] After high school, Schafer planned to attend Central Saint Martins, an arts college in London, where she was accepted, to study clothing design for nonbinary people.[12][22] She also wanted to open a studio and gallery for trans artists in New York, using grant money she had received from Teen Vogue for her "21 Under 21" listing.[9]

However, she decided to focus on acting, after she was cast in on the HBO series Euphoria as a transgender high school girl, Jules Vaughn in 2019.[4][18][28] She joined the show after finding a casting call for transgender girls on Instagram, which required no previous acting experience. A few days later, her modeling agency told her she received the audition.[18][13] She did her final audition in Los Angeles, filmed the show's pilot there a month later,[6] and moved to Los Angeles to film the first season.[13] At the time, trans television characters were rare (GLAAD found there were 17 trans characters on television in 2017 and 2018), as were trans actors playing them.[12] She worked with the show's creator, Sam Levinson, to make sure Jules's trans experiences were accurate.[6] Jules was praised by Vulture for not being a victim of violence like most trans women on screen; she stands up for herself, rather than being a passive victim of the men around her.[29] Schafer also worked with the show's costume designer, Heidi Bivens, to make Jules' wardrobe.[4]

Schafer is performing an advertisement and turns her head to the camera
Schafer in a video for Shiseido in 2021

Schafer's performance was widely praised. Paper magazine wrote that Euphoria being her acting debut "will be hard for viewers to tell from the get-go".[30] For the role, she received a Shorty Award, an MTV Movie & TV Award, and a Dorian Award.[31][32][33] The Advocate wrote that she was one of many transgender actors not nominated at the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards who should have been.[34] In 2020, Queerty named her among the 50 queer people "leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people".[35] In 2021, Schafer co-wrote an episode of Euphoria that was released between its first and second seasons, titled "Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob". The episode, which features Jules in therapy describing her experiences in womanhood, was critically acclaimed.[36][37][38]

In 2020, she became the global brand ambassador for Shiseido Makeup, and in 2021, Prada announced Schafer as their new house ambassador.[39][40] Also in 2021, Time named her to its Next list of "100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future", with a tribute written by Euphoria co-star Zendaya.[41] In 2022, Schafer starred in the English dub of the Japanese animated film Belle.[42] She made her directorial debut when making the music video for Girl in Red's song hornylovesickmess; Schafer also shared some of the storyboard sketches alongside their respective final shots from the video.[43][44] She directed the video for Anohni and the Johnsons' song "Why Am I Alive Now?" the following year.[45] She became the new face of Mugler's Angel perfume in 2023 and one of their ambassadors.[21][46]

Schafer starred in the 2023 The Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,[47] for which her performance as Tigris Snow was praised as "excellent" and "underused".[48][49][50] Director Francis Lawrence said that Schafer was chosen for the part due to her disarming authenticity and described how her audition performance was "endearing and warm"—qualities they wanted for Tigris.[51] In 2024, she was in Tilman Singer's horror movie Cuckoo,[52][53] where she plays an American teenager who reluctantly visits a creepy, remote resort in Germany with her family. It was her first lead role in a feature film; Schafer called it a scary experience, as it was the first thing she starred in after Euphoria, describing it as "the training wheels" turning off.[54] Her portrayal was said to be "an intense and emotional central performance".[55][8] Also in 2024, she was in one scene of Yorgos Lanthimos's anthology film Kinds of Kindness.[56][57]

Schafer has continued modeling throughout her acting career, appearing for Alexander McQueen, Prada and Schiaparelli, among other houses.[58][59] Since the 2023 press tour of Hunger Games, she has been stylized by Dara Allen, who she first met when they both started modelling in 2017; Dara has characterised Schafer as one of her best friends, and some have attributed part of Schafer's fashion success to her collaboration with Dara.[60][61] She has upcoming roles in David Lowery's film Mother Mary,[62] Hideo Kojima and Jordan Peele's horror video game OD,[63] and the Amazon science fiction television series Blade Runner 2099.[64]

Personal life

[edit]
Schafer smiling while speaking into a microphone
Schafer at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival in 2024, for the promotion of Cuckoo

In 2019, Schafer said that she was "closer to what you might call a lesbian",[65] and in 2021, she stated she was "bi or pan or something".[66] She was in a brief relationship with Spanish singer Rosalía for about five months in 2019, which she confirmed after speculation with GQ in 2024. They remained close friends and Schafer considers Rosalía to be "family no matter what".[8] Schafer dated her Euphoria co-star Dominic Fike from February 2022 to c. July 2023.[67][68] She claims their relationship ended after she found out he cheated on her.[69][70]

In 2019, Schafer said she used she/her pronouns, but also used the title of "Mx. Schafer".[12] In 2016, she stated, "I do like people to know that I'm not a cis girl because that's not something that I am or feel like I am."[7] However, in 2024, she said she would like to talk about her trans identity less, as she had moved on from the most difficult parts of her transition and just wanted to "be a girl"; she lamented that her identity had become the centerpiece of her career, giving her offers for "tons of trans roles", which she started declining.[8] In an interview with Rolling Stone, when asked about being considered a transgender activist, Schafer said: "No. I'm just a tranny who's famous, you know?"[71] In 2024, she mentioned in an interview with Vogue how she tries to balance not being seen only as the "trans starlet" while also managing to fulfill her "responsibility of representation, saying "“All the time I’m kind of doing the math of when to reel it in and when to lean into it".[72]

In August 2022, Schafer liked and commented "!!!!!" on an Instagram post that criticized non-binary people who "fought to have trans identities no longer considered a medical condition that requires dysphoria" and who "couldn't stand to let binary trans people be the voice of [the transgender] community," linking their activism to some of the negative legislation targeting the trans community. This prompted backlash from some queer fans, with many accusing Schafer of endorsing transmedicalism.[73][74] Commenting on a later Instagram post, Schafer denied being a transmedicalist or holding hatred towards non-binary people, saying that she merely felt there was "an in-balance [sic] in the visibility and space-taken up between non-binary folks and binary trans women (particularly those of color and/or those who have resulted [sic] to sex work as a means of survival) that i think deserves attention/re-evaluation (as far as resources and platforms go) within the LGBTQ+ community".[75]

On February 27, 2024, Schafer was arrested in New York City while at a Jewish Voice for Peace protest advocating for a ceasefire in the Gaza war. The protest was outside 30 Rockefeller Center, intended to disrupt U.S. president Joe Biden's interview for Late Night with Seth Meyers, which was being taped inside.[76][77]

Through an eight-minute TikTok video published in February 2025, Schafer criticized the Trump administration and the U.S. Department of State for changing her passport gender marker from female to male without her consent or knowledge.[78][79] She stated the following day that she spoke out because "it's important to just keep track of where things are in our country" and that she felt that "it was a good, necessary point" to share.[80] Marcy Rheintgen, believed to be the first person arrested under the Florida's anti-trans bathroom law, describes Schafer as a personal hero who inspired her to challenge the law after Schafer was issued a male passport.[81]

Filmography

[edit]
Key
† Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released

Film

[edit]
Films of Hunter Schafer
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022 Belle Ruka "Ruka-chan" Watanabe Voice role, English dub [42]
2023 OD - TGA 2023 Teaser Trailer not stated Short film / video game trailer [82]
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes Tigris Snow [47]
2024 Cuckoo Gretchen [52]
Kinds of Kindness Anna [56]
TBA Mother Mary † Hilda Post-production [62]

Television

[edit]
Shows of Hunter Schafer
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2019–present Euphoria Jules Vaughn
  • Main cast
  • Co-executive producer
  • Co-writer: "Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob - Part 2: Jules"
 [83]
2025 RuPaul's Drag Race Herself Guest judge: "Let's Get Sea Sickening Ball" [84]
2026 Blade Runner 2099 † Cora Miniseries; post-production [64]

Music videos

[edit]
Music videos of Hunter Schafer
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022 Girl in Red – "Hornylovesickmess" none Director [44]
2023 Anohni and the Johnsons – "Why Am I Alive Now?" none Director [45]

Video games

[edit]
Video Games of Hunter Schafer
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
TBA OD TBA In development since 2022 [85]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
List of awards and nominations
Year Organization Award Work Result Ref.
2020 GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics We're Wilde About You! Rising Star of the Year Euphoria Nominated [86]
2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards Best Kiss
(Shared with Dominic Fike) 		Nominated [32]
2025 Independent Spirit Awards Best Lead Performance Cuckoo Nominated [87]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hunter Schafer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hunter Schafer (born December 31, 1998) is an American actress and fashion model who was born male in Trenton, New Jersey, and transitioned to living as a female beginning at age 14. Raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, where her father served as a pastor, Schafer entered the public eye as a teenager advocating against state laws mandating bathroom use based on biological sex, acting as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the ACLU challenging North Carolina's Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act of 2016. Schafer's modeling career commenced in her late teens, featuring runway appearances for designers including Dior, Miu Miu, and Alexander McQueen, which established her in the fashion industry prior to her acting pursuits. She achieved widespread recognition with her screen debut portraying Jules Vaughn, a transgender adolescent, in the HBO series Euphoria (2019–present), earning acclaim for her performance amid the show's exploration of youth and identity. Subsequent roles include the lead in the horror film Cuckoo (2024), expanding her presence in independent cinema. Schafer has encountered controversies related to her positions within transgender advocacy, including backlash in 2022 for appearing to endorse views prioritizing medical transition over non-binary identities, interpreted by critics as transmedicalist. In 2025, she drew attention by denouncing a U.S. passport renewal listing her sex as male in accordance with biological criteria established under executive policy, arguing it undermined her gender identity despite her transition.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Hunter Schafer was born on December 31, 1998, in . She is the eldest of four children born to Katy Schafer, a homemaker, and Mac Schafer, a Presbyterian minister who held pastoral positions at various churches. The Schafer family relocated multiple times between and in connection with Mac Schafer's clerical assignments, including roles at Presbyterian congregations in those states. Schafer and her three younger siblings, including at least one brother, were primarily raised in , where the family settled during her formative years. Details on Schafer's early childhood remain limited in public records, with accounts describing it as relatively ordinary amid the family's church-affiliated lifestyle. Her parents actively supported her pursuits, including creative and activist interests that emerged later in adolescence, though specific pre-teen experiences are not extensively documented.

Gender dysphoria diagnosis and transition

Schafer, born male on December 31, 1998, first experienced symptoms of around age 13, initially to her parents as a boy before recognizing a deeper incongruence with her male biology. By age 14, she began counseling for dysphoria, reporting severe anxiety tied to impending male and hormonal changes, which prompted evaluation for interventions to halt pubertal development. Formal diagnosis of occurred in ninth grade, approximately age 14 during the 2012–2013 school year, aligning with DSM criteria for clinically significant distress from mismatch between experienced gender and assigned sex characteristics. Following diagnosis, Schafer initiated medical transition with blockers to suppress testosterone-driven male secondary sex characteristics, a step she described as "pressing the pause button on " after consensus with clinicians and . This occurred around age 14, preceding , which she began at age 16 after required sessions to affirm persistence of . Social transition accompanied medical steps, with Schafer coming out as female in ninth grade and adopting a feminine presentation at school, supported by parental advocacy amid North Carolina's conservative environment. By 2016, at age 17, she had completed initial transition phases, living fully as female while pursuing (HRT) with to induce female secondary characteristics. Schafer underwent surgery at age 18, though she has not publicly confirmed genital surgeries or further interventions. Transition outcomes included alleviation of acute dysphoric distress, as Schafer later reflected, but also challenges like reliving early experiences through roles mirroring her . Empirical data on adolescent transitions, including blockers and cross-sex hormones, show variable long-term effects on , , and , with some studies indicating elevated regret rates post-HRT in youth cohorts, though Schafer has expressed no such regrets publicly. Her case reflects early intervention trends in U.S. clinics, such as Duke's program active during her treatment period, which emphasized multidisciplinary assessment prior to irreversible steps.

Education and early activism

High school years

Schafer transferred to the School of the Arts (UNCSA) High School in , where she pursued as a junior in 2016 at age 17. The residential program emphasized artistic training, and Schafer focused on creating illustrations, , and pieces that explored themes of identity and . In May 2017, she graduated from UNCSA's high school visual arts program, receiving her diploma on May 13. That same year, Schafer was selected as a semifinalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, recognizing her artistic achievements during high school. Her work included contributions of drawings and comics to publications like Rookie magazine, reflecting her use of art to process personal experiences amid her transition. During this period, she also began engaging in early activism related to transgender rights, though her prominent legal involvement followed shortly after.

Lawsuit against North Carolina bathroom bill

In April 2016, Hunter Schafer, a 17-year-old junior at the School of the Arts, joined as a in the federal lawsuit Carcaño et al. v. McCrory (later amended to v. Cooper), filed by the (ACLU) and against 's House Bill 2 (HB2). HB2, signed into law on March 4, 2016, mandated that individuals use public restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities in government buildings and public schools matching the biological sex indicated on their birth certificates, overriding local nondiscrimination ordinances that had permitted use based on . The plaintiffs, including Schafer, argued that HB2 violated the Equal Protection and Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment by subjecting individuals to , humiliation, and potential harm through forced use of facilities inconsistent with their . Schafer's involvement underscored the law's effects on transgender youth in educational settings, where she faced the prospect of using male-designated facilities, which she stated would heighten her anxiety, out her status to peers, and expose her to or . As the youngest named , her participation drew attention to the bill's disruption of school life for minors, including restrictions on updating gender markers on official documents without surgical requirements. In conjunction with the , Schafer helped organize walkouts and protests at her high school, mobilizing students against HB2's implementation. The lawsuit contributed to broader legal and political pressure on HB2, which was partially repealed on March 30, 2017, through House Bill 142 amid economic boycotts costing the state an estimated $3.76 billion. HB142 eliminated the bathroom mandate but imposed a statewide moratorium on local regulations of restroom access in facilities and schools until December 1, 2020, and barred cities from enacting broader nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in areas like and . Plaintiffs, including those represented by the ACLU, amended the complaint to challenge HB142's remaining provisions as a continuation of discriminatory policy, though Schafer's specific post-repeal role is not detailed in court filings. The case highlighted tensions between state-level privacy and safety concerns—proponents of HB2 argued it protected biological females from potential predation—versus advocates' claims of civil rights infringement, with federal courts issuing preliminary injunctions against enforcement in certain contexts prior to repeal.

Modeling career

Entry into fashion

Schafer entered the modeling industry in following her high school graduation from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. While in on a college visit, she was scouted by a modeling agent through direct messages, prompting her to sign with an agency at age 18. She deferred plans to attend college for , relocating to New York to intern for a brand over six months before shifting to professional modeling gigs. Her professional debut occurred during in fall 2017, marking her initial runway appearances for emerging designers. This led to her first international travel for modeling in , expanding her portfolio with editorial features in magazines. Early agency representation facilitated bookings with luxury houses, including and , establishing her presence in high-fashion circuits despite her limited prior experience. Schafer later described the transition as financially precarious, noting she accrued debt from the demands of work and travel before gaining traction.

Major campaigns and achievements

Schafer began her runway career in 2017, walking for brands including Prada, Dior, and Miu Miu. She continued with appearances for Miu Miu Resort 2019, Christian Dior Couture Fall 2018, Gareth Pugh Spring 2019, and Coach 1941 Fall 2019. Additional shows included Maison Margiela, MSGM, Marc Jacobs, Byblos, and Versus Versace prior to her acting breakthrough. In campaigns, Schafer featured in 's spring 2022 collection and the bag promotion in December 2021. She served as global for Makeup starting in 2020. Mugler appointed her in February 2023, featuring her in the perfume line, including the Stellar fragrance campaign in May 2025. Recent campaigns occurred in August 2024 and April 2025, alongside Mugler's April 2025 effort and the in October 2024. She also holds ambassadorships for and .

Acting career

Breakthrough with Euphoria

Schafer secured her first acting role as Jules Vaughn, a teenager exploring identity, relationships, and in the series , which premiered its first season on June 16, 2019. With no prior onscreen acting experience, she auditioned after her agent alerted her to a call specifically seeking a trans woman for the part; casting directors noted that Schafer "won it in the room" despite the challenges of non-professionals. Initially hesitant due to the show's requirements for nudity and intimate scenes, Schafer ultimately accepted, viewing the opportunity as a chance to portray a complex character beyond stereotypes. The role marked a pivotal shift from her modeling career, exposing her to widespread recognition as Euphoria drew 5.4 million viewers for its pilot episode and critical acclaim for its raw depiction of adolescent struggles. Schafer's performance as Jules, particularly in emotionally intense scenes involving vulnerability and connection with lead character Rue (played by ), was lauded for its authenticity, with outlets describing it as "ethereal" and unprecedented for a debut actress. Her preparation involved drawing from personal experiences of transition while emphasizing Jules's multifaceted humanity over reductive labels. The series' success propelled Schafer into mainstream visibility, earning her a nomination for Best Kiss at the alongside co-star for their onscreen chemistry, though the show itself dominated accolades like Emmy wins for . Euphoria altered her professional trajectory, transitioning her from fashion runways to high-profile acting opportunities and amplifying her public profile, as evidenced by subsequent features in outlets like Variety highlighting how the role reshaped her self-perception and career ambitions.

Film roles and expansion

Schafer entered film with a supporting voice role in the English dub of the Japanese animated feature Belle (2021), directed by , voicing Ruka, a classmate of the protagonist. Her live-action film debut occurred in : The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), directed by , where she portrayed Tigris Snow, the cousin and early ally of the young (played by ), depicted as a stylist aiding him during the 10th Hunger Games in the Capitol. In 2024, Schafer starred as Gretchen in , a horror thriller written and directed by Tilman Singer, following a 17-year-old who moves with her to a resort in the German Alps, where she uncovers connections between local cuckoo birds, eerie calls, and experimental human breeding tied to the resort's owner (). The film, which premiered at the on January 18, 2024, and was released theatrically on August 9, 2024, earned a 78% critics' approval rating on based on 199 reviews, with praise for Schafer's intense, vulnerable lead performance anchoring the elements, though some critics faulted the script's pacing and underdeveloped lore as detracting from the atmosphere. That same year, she appeared in a minor capacity in (2024), Yorgos Lanthimos's comprising three segments exploring power dynamics and absurdity, with Schafer as Anna in the final story alongside leads and . Her screen time was limited to one scene, reflecting selective casting for the ensemble's surreal vignettes. Schafer's role portfolio expanded further with Mother Mary, an epic melodrama directed by David Lowery, completed in 2024 but awaiting release as of October 2025, in which she plays Hilda opposite as a fictional musician and as a designer; the narrative unfolds through their relationship, underscored by original pop songs performed by and scored by . This project signals her venture into high-profile, music-infused drama, diversifying from franchise supporting parts and indie horror into auteur-driven ensembles.

Public advocacy and statements

LGBTQ+ involvement

Schafer has delivered public speeches on representation and personal experiences at educational institutions. In April 2023, she addressed students at , discussing the significance of visibility in media and her journey as a young trans individual. In May 2021, she spoke to the community during an assembly organized by the school's Gender and Sexuality Awareness club, fielding questions on her career and identity. She also appeared at an event in March 2024 as part of the Speaking of Excellence series hosted by the LGBTQ+ Culture Center, sharing insights on her inspirations and role in the community. In April 2022, at an Emmys FYC event for , Schafer offered encouragement to youth amid restrictive legislation in , advising resilience in the face of policy challenges targeting trans individuals. More recently, in February 2025, she publicly addressed the Trump administration's executive actions on issues after receiving a U.S. with her marker altered to male, declaring that "trans people are beautiful" and rejecting efforts to erase their existence. The commended her for highlighting the real-world impacts of such policies on trans and lives. Despite frequent labeling as an LGBTQ rights activist in media coverage, Schafer has distanced herself from the role, stating in August 2024 that she does not view herself as a dedicated activist but rather as a prominent trans figure whose visibility inherently influences discourse. She argued that de-emphasizing her trans identity in professional pursuits allows greater career advancement, a strategy she credits to her prior advocacy efforts during adolescence. In a May 2023 discussion, she linked LGBTQ individuals' prominence in arts to the necessity of self-reconstruction amid societal pressures, though without endorsing organized .

Political commentary and recent events

In February 2024, Schafer participated in a demonstration organized by calling for an immediate in the amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The protest took place outside in during President Joe Biden's appearance on , leading to the arrest of Schafer and approximately 30 other participants on charges including trespassing and . Organizers described the action as a response to U.S. complicity in what they termed in Gaza, though Schafer did not issue public statements elaborating on her motivations at the time. Schafer has expressed skepticism toward celebrity-driven activism, stating in an August 2024 interview that she does not identify as a transgender activist but rather as "a tranny who's famous" who speaks from personal experience rather than a deliberate advocacy role. This perspective aligns with her limited direct engagement in broader electoral politics, though her participation in the 2024 protest highlighted opposition to Democratic administration policies on foreign affairs. In early 2025, Schafer publicly criticized President Donald Trump's limiting gender markers on federal documents to or based on biological sex at birth, sharing that her renewed U.S. listed her as despite prior designation. In an extended video, she described the change as a "harsh reality check" confirming Trump's policy implementation beyond rhetoric, emphasizing her commitment to her identity while expressing shock at the personal impact. She attributed the policy to broader anti-trans measures, stating, "I'm never going to stop being trans," without calling for specific .

Controversies and criticisms

Backlash over non-binary comments

In August 2022, Hunter Schafer faced criticism from segments of the community after liking and commenting "so true" on an post by user @piggytaiwan. The post argued that non-binary individuals' emphasis on and rejection of binary transitions had alienated conservatives, contributing to legislation in Republican-led states that restricted (HRT) access primarily for binary women and girls, whom it claimed were being "punished for the sins of tucutes." Critics accused Schafer of endorsing transmedicalist views—positing that identity requires clinically significant and medical transition—while implicitly invalidating non-binary identities as less legitimate or harmful to binary trans advocacy. users, including on platforms like and X (formerly ), labeled her stance as divisive, with some claiming it blamed non-binary trans people for broader anti-trans backlash rather than external political forces. On September 6, 2022, Schafer addressed the controversy via Instagram Stories, stating she held "no hatred" toward non-binary people and rejecting the transmedicalist label. She affirmed support for non-binary trans individuals, emphasizing that her personal views on transition did not exclude them from transgender legitimacy, though she critiqued certain activism for potentially undermining binary trans priorities like medical access. The episode highlighted intra-community tensions between those prioritizing medical dysphoria-based advocacy and those advocating broader gender spectrum recognition, with sources like LGBTQ+ outlets framing it as an attack on non-binary validity, while the original post's logic centered on observable policy outcomes in states like Texas and Florida restricting youth transitions.

Passport gender marker dispute and broader implications

In February 2025, , a actress born , publicly stated that her newly renewed U.S. listed her as ('M'), despite her selecting on the application form. She shared this on , expressing shock and attributing the change to issued by President shortly after his January 20, 2025, inauguration, which directed federal agencies, including the State Department, to recognize only biological sex at birth for official documents rather than self-identified . Schafer described the marker as inaccurate and vowed, "I am never going to stop being trans," framing the issuance as a personal affront amid broader policy shifts. The passport's sex designation aligns with U.S. policy revisions emphasizing immutable biological criteria over gender identity, reversing Biden-era allowances for self-attestation of gender differing from birth sex. Under the prior framework, Schafer's previous passport had reflected her identified female sex, but renewals post-executive order default to birth records, which for her indicate male. This change does not appear to stem from a formal dispute or legal challenge initiated by Schafer herself, but rather from routine processing under the updated directives, though she voiced criticism of the Trump administration for enforcing what she called a "forced" reversion. Broader implications include heightened scrutiny of federal document policies, with advocates arguing the binary requirement could complicate international travel, expose individuals to , or invalidate prior legal recognitions of changes. The policy, rooted in defining biologically as determined by reproductive and at birth, has prompted related litigation, including the administration's 2025 request to the to uphold restrictions on non-binary markers and self-identified changes. Critics from outlets sympathetic to perspectives, such as reports, often describe such markers as "misgendering," but the empirical basis for biological sex classification remains unchanged by personal identity, potentially reducing administrative discrepancies in verification processes like border security or medical emergencies. No widespread reports indicate Schafer faced immediate travel disruptions from the , though the incident amplified public discourse on aligning official records with biological reality versus subjective experience.

Personal life

Relationships and dating history

Schafer confirmed in a 2024 GQ interview that she dated Spanish singer for approximately five months in 2019, describing it as a romantic involvement that transitioned into friendship. Rumors linked Schafer to model Massima Desire around 2020, based on interactions and public appearances together, though the pair never publicly confirmed a romantic relationship. Schafer and her co-star began dating in February 2022 after meeting on the set of the show's second season, with their relationship publicly confirmed through posts and joint appearances. The couple separated around July 2023, after which Schafer revealed on the August 2024 Call Her Daddy podcast that the breakup stemmed from Fike's infidelity, marking her first experience with cheating in a relationship. Since the breakup with Fike, no reliable sources indicate that Schafer has been in any public romantic relationships through 2025 or 2026.

Mental health challenges

Schafer has described depression as a persistent challenge in her life, stating in a September 2023 interview that it "has been something I've wrestled with" and "never really goes away," requiring one to "figure out how to live with it." In 2020, amid the , Schafer experienced what she termed her "worst depression," exacerbated by isolation after relocating to . She credited writing and performing in the Euphoria special episode centered on her character , released in December 2020, as a "lifeline" that provided purpose and helped her navigate this period. By January 2021, Schafer reported ongoing difficulties during the , including a phase where she was "not doing super well mentally" and considered seeking hospitalization. Schafer has connected her depressive episodes to pre-transition experiences of , identifying depression as one of the "catalysts" for her in her late teens. In reflecting on her adolescence, she recounted as gay in , which prompted her recognition of and subsequent steps toward transitioning.

Filmography

Film

Schafer made her feature film debut in : The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), directed by , where she portrayed Tigris Snow, the cousin and confidante of the young . The film, a to the Hunger Games series based on ' novel, was released on November 17, 2023, and grossed over $337 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. Her role involved supporting the protagonist amid the 10th Hunger Games' political intrigue in the dystopian nation of Panem. In 2024, Schafer starred as Gretchen Kohl in , a horror thriller written and directed by Tilman Singer, released on August 9, 2024. The film follows Gretchen, a 17-year-old who relocates to a German Alpine resort with her father and uncovers sinister secrets involving parasitic entities and the resort's owner, Herr König (played by ). It received a 78% approval rating on based on 199 reviews, with critics praising Schafer's performance for anchoring the film's eerie atmosphere despite its narrative inconsistencies. The production budget was approximately $15 million, and it emphasized elements tied to avian and reproductive themes. Schafer also appeared in (2024), an directed by , divided into three segments exploring power dynamics and . Released on June 21, 2024, her role was in the second segment, "R.M.F. is Flying," as part of an ensemble cast including , , and . The film holds a 71% score from 199 reviews, noted for its dark humor and stylistic experimentation but criticized for uneven pacing across its 164-minute runtime.
YearTitleRoleDirectorNotes
2023The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & SnakesTigris SnowFrancis LawrencePrequel adaptation; worldwide gross $337.1 million
2024CuckooGretchen KohlTilman SingerLead role in horror thriller; 78% Rotten Tomatoes score
2024Kinds of Kindness(Segment role)Yorgos LanthimosAnthology film; 71% Rotten Tomatoes score

Television

Schafer debuted as an actress in the drama series , portraying Vaughn, a teenager navigating identity, relationships, and trauma in a suburban high school setting. The series, created by and loosely adapted from an Israeli show of the same name, premiered its eight-episode first season on June 16, 2019, with Schafer appearing in all episodes alongside as Rue Bennett, whose opioid addiction fuels a central codependent bond with . Schafer's casting followed no prior experience; she auditioned after modeling and , initially hesitant due to the role's demands including simulated sex scenes, which she negotiated to exclude full nudity. The character's arc explores themes of transition, through online hookups, and emotional , drawing from Schafer's own experiences as a woman while avoiding direct autobiography. Euphoria released two specials in December 2020 and 2021 focusing on Rue and ' dynamic, followed by an eight-episode second season airing from January 9 to February 27, 2022, where confronts relational fallout and family issues. Critics noted Schafer's portrayal for its raw intensity, contributing to the series' Emmy wins for but facing mixed reception on its explicit content and portrayal of youth dysfunction. As of October 2025, season 3 remains in production, with filming delays pushing principal photography to late and a planned in 2026; Schafer is confirmed to reprise amid cast changes including the recasting of Fezco's . In June , Schafer joined the cast of Amazon's limited series Blade Runner 2099, a to the set in the franchise's dystopian universe, co-starring opposite in an undisclosed role; the series has not yet aired. No other television credits precede or follow these projects.

Other appearances

Schafer established her modeling career prior to acting prominence, walking runways for multiple designers. Notable appearances include Couture Fall 2018, Resort 2019, Gareth Pugh Spring 2019, and Coach 1941 Fall 2019. She also featured in shows for MM6 , Pucci, and . In advertising campaigns, Schafer starred in Prada's The Galleria handbag promotion in May 2021, filmed by director . She appeared in Prada's Spring/Summer 2022 ready-to-wear campaign in January 2022, emphasizing emotional connections through imagery. In April 2025, she modeled for Prada's Days of Summer collection, photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch. Schafer served as the face of Mugler's Angel Stellar fragrance campaign launched in May 2025, highlighting her involvement in the brand's latest scent extension. Additional endorsements include appearances in videos such as the July 2021 Suru Suru production, showcasing her in promotional content.

Awards and nominations

YearOrganizationAwardWorkResult
2020Shorty AwardsBest ActorEuphoriaNominated
2020GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics (Dorian Awards)We're Wilde About You! (Rising Star of the Year)EuphoriaNominated
2022MTV Movie + TV AwardsBest Kiss (with Dominic Fike)EuphoriaNominated
2025Film Independent Spirit AwardsBest Lead PerformanceCuckooNominated
Schafer has received additional nominations from organizations including the and the North Carolina Film Critics Association for her role in .

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9476408/
  2. https://www.wunc.org/education/2016-05-11/q-a-a-nc-teen-and-her-parents-on-the-transition-from-male-to-female
  3. https://diva-magazine.com/2024/08/20/hunter-schafer-5-facts-to-know/
  4. https://www.aclu.org/bio/hunter-schafer
  5. https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/hunter-schafer-21st-birthday-style
  6. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/hunter-schafer-cuckoo-euphoria-interview-1235076587/
  7. https://www.newsweek.com/hunter-schafer-criticized-appearing-agree-anti-nonbinary-post-hrt-1736380
  8. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/02/21/hunter-schafer-passport-tiktok-trump-executive-order/79433800007/
  9. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg4klq45ngvo
  10. https://www.lifeandstylemag.com/posts/hunter-schafer-family-guide-meet-her-parents-and-siblings/
  11. https://lezwatchtv.com/actor/hunter-schafer/
  12. https://ethnicelebs.com/hunter-schafer
  13. https://people.com/all-about-hunter-schafer-parents-8710980
  14. https://www.thelist.com/869446/the-stunning-transformation-of-euphorias-hunter-schafer/
  15. https://bi.org/en/famous/hunter-schafer
  16. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/health-family/article36021510.html
  17. https://hunter-schafer.com/articles/
  18. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/15-facts-hunter-schafer-star-111603873.html
  19. https://www.reddit.com/r/transvoice/comments/spysh1/hunter_schaefer_from_euphoria_has_such_a_natural/
  20. https://www.femestella.com/euphoria-hunter-schafer-on-having-to-relive-her-transition-through-jules/
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/30/style/hunter-schafer-transgender-activist-model.html
  22. https://abc11.com/post/duke-university-hospital-creates-gender-clinic-/989285/
  23. https://www.uncsa.edu/news/20170501-hunter-schafer-presidential-scholar.aspx
  24. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hunter-schafer_n_58f4c937e4b0b9e9848d0f2f
  25. https://www.uncsa.edu/design-production/alumni-stories/hunter-schafer.aspx
  26. https://www.buzzfeed.com/natashajokic1/hunter-schafer-facts
  27. https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/three-more-plaintiffs-join-lawsuit-against-north-carolinas-discriminatory-anti-lgbt
  28. https://legacy.lambdalegal.org/blog/20160421_three-plaintiffs-join-nc-hb2-lawsuit
  29. https://hunter-schafer.com/articles/hunter-schafer-on-why-shes-fighting-for-much-more-than-bathrooms/
  30. https://www.wmagazine.com/story/hunter-schafer-model-bathroom-bill
  31. https://myfox8.com/news/transgender-unc-school-of-the-arts-student-joins-hb2-federal-lawsuit/
  32. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/transgender-teenager-fight-against-bathroom-laws-hunter-schafer
  33. https://legacy.lambdalegal.org/blog/nc_20170721_lambda-legal-and-aclu-challenge-hb2-fake-repeal
  34. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article98182422.html
  35. https://www.psucollegian.com/culture_lifestyle/actress-model-hunter-schafer-shares-stories-about-her-path-to-fame-with-penn-state/article_245e532e-577a-11ec-bef6-d781ddf46ddd.html
  36. https://www.gq.com/story/hunter-schafer-creativity-awards-profile
  37. https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a28648511/hunter-schafer-euphoria-interview/
  38. https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3276532/hunter-schafers-style-evolution-how-model-activist-and-euphoria-actress-went-sassy-street-style
  39. https://i-d.co/article/hunter-schafer-fashion/
  40. https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/hunter-schafers-best-runway-moments
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uw96Df_SEA
  42. https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/fashion/hunter-schafer-prada-spring-2022-campaign-euphoria
  43. https://www.vanityfair.com/style/photos/2021/12/hunter-schafer-is-the-face-of-prada-in-dreamy-new-galleria-campaign
  44. https://www.ellecanada.com/beauty/makeup-and-nails/hunter-schafer-is-the-new-global-brand-ambassador-for-shiseido-makeup
  45. https://theindustry.beauty/mugler-appoints-hunter-schafer-as-brand-ambassador/
  46. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/shopping/hunter-schafer-mugler-stellar-fragrance-campaign-red-carpet-style-inspirations-1236224580/
  47. https://models.com/people/hunter-schafer
  48. https://www.businessoffashion.com/people/hunter-schafer/
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8772296/
  50. https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/euphoria-casting-directors-discover-zendaya-angus-cloud-hunter-schafer-new-stars-1202161635/
  51. https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/a40869705/hunter-schafer-turned-down-euphoria-role/
  52. https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/hunter-schafer-hbo-euphoria-1203248330/
  53. https://ew.com/tv/2019/06/23/euphoria-jules-hunter-schafer/
  54. https://www.them.us/story/interview-hunter-schafer
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8772296/awards/
  56. https://deadline.com/2021/12/belle-chace-crawford-hunter-schafer-join-english-language-voice-cast-1234887498/
  57. https://thehungergames.fandom.com/wiki/Hunter_Schafer
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12349832/
  59. https://time.com/7008776/cuckoo-ending-explained/
  60. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cuckoo_2024
  61. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/cuckoo-neon-film-review-2024
  62. https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/aug/25/cuckoo-review-hunter-schafer-and-dan-stevens-lift-bonkers-alpine-horror-tilman-singer
  63. https://www.reddit.com/r/KindsofKindness/comments/1drpfg0/just_saw_it_hunter_schaffer_a_star_of_it_hmmm/
  64. https://deadline.com/2023/05/mother-mary-hunter-schafer-joins-anne-hathaway-michaela-coel-in-a24-film-1235380054/
  65. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27200708/
  66. https://news.fullerton.edu/2023/04/hunter-schafer-speaks-to-students-about-magic-of-transgender-representation/
  67. https://hwchronicle.com/101583/news/euphoria-actress-hunter-schafer-speaks-to-school-community-in-gsa-organized-assembly/
  68. https://www.idsnews.com/article/2024/03/speaking-of-excellence-lecture-hunter-shafer-lgbtq-community-2024
  69. https://www.salon.com/2025/02/21/trans-people-are-beautiful-hunter-schafer-raises-the-flag-on-anti-trans-executive-order/
  70. https://www.vogue.com/article/hunter-schafer-misgendered-male-passport-trump-anti-trans-order
  71. https://www.facebook.com/humanrightscampaign/videos/thank-you-to-hunter-schafer-for-bravely-speaking-up-about-your-experience-trumps/1572781120077963/
  72. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/news/hunter-schafer-transgender-activism-cuckoo-b2594211.html
  73. https://www.reddit.com/r/LGBTnews/comments/1bx9dnf/euphoria_star_hunter_schafer_praised_after/
  74. https://www.ocregister.com/2023/05/08/actress-hunter-schafer-discusses-her-art-and-lgbtq-advocacy/
  75. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/euphoria-star-hunter-schafer-arrested-nyc-protest-support-palestinians-rcna140939
  76. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/feb/29/hunter-schafer-arrested-pro-palestine-protest-joe-biden-appearance-late-night-with-seth-meyers
  77. https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/hunter-schafer-arrested-palestine-protest-biden-late-night-1235925215/
  78. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2024-02-28/hunter-schafer-euphoria-arrest-in-cease-fire-30-rock-jvp
  79. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/hunter-schafer-passport-trump-executive-order-1236142960/
  80. https://deadline.com/2025/02/euphoria-hunter-schafer-passport-misgenders-male-trump-anti-trans-executive-order-1236297496/
  81. https://www.eonline.com/news/1413790/euphorias-hunter-schafer-issued-male-passport-after-trump-executive-order
  82. https://pagesix.com/2022/08/24/hunter-schafer-gets-backlash-for-endorsing-anti-non-binary-post/
  83. https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/hunter-schafer-transmedicalism-and
  84. https://www.reddit.com/r/Fauxmoi/comments/wz958a/hunter_schafer_is_facing_backlash_for_liking_and/
  85. https://www.out.com/celebs/2022/9/06/hunter-schafer-addresses-anti-nonbinary-instagram
  86. https://pagesix.com/2022/09/07/hunter-schafer-denies-she-hates-non-binary-folks/
  87. https://x.com/PopCrave/status/1562168114405552128
  88. https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/04/04/hunter-schafer-trans-identity/
  89. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hunter-schafer-passport-gender-trump/
  90. https://apnews.com/article/hunter-schafer-passport-marker-e92fe6ccce7388d3237104971a89cead
  91. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/hunter-schafer-passport-m-gender-marker-1.7465534
  92. https://san.com/cc/hunter-schafers-passport-identifies-her-as-male-following-executive-order/
  93. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/euphoria-star-hunter-schafer-issued-male-passport-rcna193212
  94. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/hunter-schafer-says-passport-gender-changed/story?id=119101629
  95. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/travel/trans-nonbinary-passport-changes-trump.html
  96. https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5158104-hunter-schafer-euphoria-male-passport-trump-executive-orders-trans-rights/
  97. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2025-02-21/hunter-schafer-new-passport-misgender-male-donald-trump
  98. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/lgbtq/article/2025/02/22/trans-actress-hunter-schafer-from-euphoria-slams-trump-administration-after-passport-gender-change_6738432_211.html
  99. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/politics/trump-supreme-court-transgender-nonbinary-passport-policy/3991051/
  100. https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a61895883/hunter-schafer-dating-history/
  101. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/hunter-schafer-dated-partner-dating-110733944.html
  102. https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/hunter-schafer-dating-history-rosalia-dominic-fike
  103. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a60371362/hunter-schafer-dating-history/
  104. https://people.com/tv/dominic-fike-and-hunter-schafer-relationship-timeline/
  105. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/hunter-schafer-dominic-fike-breakup-cheating-1235075456/
  106. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a61828864/hunter-schafer-dominic-fike-cheating-interview/
  107. https://www.justjared.com/2023/09/12/hunter-schafer-opens-up-about-depression-making-art-dealing-with-fame/
  108. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a39200402/hunter-schafer-euphoria-lifeline-depression/
  109. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/benhenry/hunter-schafer-jules-euphoria-id-magazine-interview
  110. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/hunter-schafer-euphoria-special-episode-helped-depression
  111. https://www.papermag.com/hunter-schafer-jules-episode-depression
  112. https://people.com/health/euphoria-hunter-schafer-mental-health-during-pandemic/
  113. https://www.eonline.com/news/1229533/euphorias-hunter-schafer-reflects-on-relatable-mental-health-struggles-amid-pandemic
  114. https://www.instagram.com/p/CxMNnFwO7lk/
  115. https://www.women.com/1875539/euphoria-hunter-schafer-stunning-transformation/
  116. https://screenrant.com/hunter-schafer-movie-and-tv-shows-ranked/
  117. https://deadline.com/2024/06/blade-runner-2099-hunter-schafer-cast-amazon-series-1235972509/
  118. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/hunter-schafer/credits/3030845083/
  119. https://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/hunter_schafer/shows/
  120. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l5PsnbM7AQ
  121. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5_L7NMoDi8
  122. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hunter_Schafer_-_Suru_Suru_video%2C_July_2021.png
  123. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9476408/awards/
  124. https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/06/mtv-movie-tv-awards-euphoria-dominic-fike-zendaya-poopies-snake-naples-florida/7496948001/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.