Chella Man

Chella Man began paving the way for trans-masculine representation by defying stereotypes and living authentically. Man, who officially identifies as genderqueer, is also deaf and uses cochlear implants to hear. Upon finding little representation for people like them, Chella was inspired to become the role model that they wished they had. 

Hailing from Jewish and Chinese descent, Chella carried their labels with pride, which soon became the stepping stones for their career as an activist, artist and actor. Often seen out on the front lines fighting for causes close to their heart, their political activism fights for the rights of all minorities. In a world of heroes and heroines, Chella is one both in real life and on screen: they became the first deaf transgender individual to play a superhero on television with their portrayal as Jericho in DC’s digital series Titans. Playing a character that spoke almost entirely through sign language, Chella’s casting signified a step in the right direction for authenticity on screen. Their visibility as a model for major fashion brands such as Calvin Klein and Gap has further pushed boundaries in the mainstream world. 

Chella is also an established artist, using art to reflect on their own intersectionality. Their artwork displays representations of gender dysphoria, and often incorporates reflections of their journey on testosterone.

Chella fearlessly documented their transition for the world to see. From their very first testosterone injection, to a timeline of their first year on hormones, Chella’s YouTube channel has provided a safe space to millions of viewers who are able to learn from their story. Their videos are informative, but more importantly, provide hope to many trans-masculine individuals like Chella. Their openness and honesty about their transition serves as a valuable resource for many, especially those looking to begin their own transition.