Meet the Trans Pioneers of the Documentary We've Been Around

Trans visibility has increased exponentially in recent years, but We've Been Around, a web doc series created by Rhys Ernst (co-producer of Transparent), reveals just how long transgender trailblazers have been making history. Here, some of the show's most fascinating subjects.

Albert Cashier (1843-1915)
The Irish-born Cashier immigrated as a stowaway to the United States, where he enlisted in the Union Army and became one of the few trans men known to have fought in the Civil War. While in a nursing home later in life, his trans status was revealed and he was forced to wear a dress. But he was buried in his uniform.

Lucy Hicks Anderson (1886-1954)
On her own insistence, Anderson was raised as a girl. Her resolve gave rise to an eventful life: She married twice, ran a brothel during the Prohibition era, and was the first trans person to fight for her identity in court.

Willmer "Little Axe" Broadnax (1916-1992)
Broadnax was raised male in Houston, where he started singing with his older brother Willie. The pair became Little Axe and Big Axe and recorded gospel music with various groups for 30 years. Few knew Broadnax was transgender until after his death in 1992.

Watch We've Been Around here.

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