You probably remember that sharp-witted kid from Jessie or the scene-stealer in Glee. For years, Hollywood and fans alike had a specific label for the young actor: J.J. Totah, the "hilarious gay boy." But that narrative was never quite right. Honestly, it wasn't even close.
In August 2018, everything changed when a powerful essay landed in Time magazine. The headline? "My Name Is Josie Totah — And I’m Ready to Be Free."
Is Josie Totah transgender?
Yes. Josie Totah is a transgender woman. She made the public announcement herself when she was 17, just as she was preparing to head off to college and enter a new chapter of her career.
It wasn't a snap decision. Far from it. Josie has been vocal about the fact that she knew who she was almost as soon as she could talk. By age five, she was telling her mother that she was a girl. She’d beg for dresses. At 14, while watching the docuseries I Am Jazz (which follows the life of trans activist Jazz Jennings), the lightbulb finally clicked. She looked at her mom and said, "This is me."
📖 Related: Wrong Address: Why This Nigerian Drama Is Still Sparking Conversations
The "Gay Boy" Box and the Hollywood Pressure
For a long time, the industry didn't know what to do with her. She was cast in roles that played into a very specific trope. Reporters would ask her how it felt to be a "young gay man." She even accepted awards from LGBTQ+ organizations where she was introduced with the wrong pronouns and identity.
She felt like she owed it to everyone to stay in that box. "I almost felt like I owed it to everybody to be that gay boy," she wrote in her essay. But the reality was much heavier. She was hiding girl’s clothes under baggy sweatshirts. She lived in constant fear of male puberty, describing it as a "panic" she felt every morning, checking for facial hair or a deepening voice.
Thankfully, her mom was incredibly supportive. Within three days of that conversation during I Am Jazz, they were at the pediatrician’s office. Josie started on hormone blockers shortly after, effectively hitting the brakes on the physical changes she feared most.
👉 See also: Who was the voice of Yoda? The real story behind the Jedi Master
Life and Career After Coming Out
Transitioning didn't slow her down; if anything, it supercharged her.
- Saved by the Bell (2020): She didn't just star as Lexi; she produced the show. She worked with the writers to make sure her character wasn't just a "trans character" but a fully realized, sharp-tongued popular girl who happened to be trans.
- The Buccaneers: More recently, she’s been crushing it as Mabel Elmsworth in this Apple TV+ period drama.
- Big Mouth: You’ve probably heard her voice as Natalie, the show’s first recurring transgender character.
She’s also a graduate of Chapman University. Yeah, she managed to balance a massive Hollywood career while being in a sorority and getting a degree.
Why the conversation still matters in 2026
People still ask "is Josie Totah transgender" because they see her range. She’s played cisgender roles, queer roles, and everything in between. She’s been very clear that she doesn't want to be limited. She told People magazine in 2024 that she "follows the story." If the character is fascinating, she’s in, regardless of whether the character’s gender identity matches her own.
✨ Don't miss: Not the Nine O'Clock News: Why the Satirical Giant Still Matters
She’s become a bit of a "sister" to other trans icons like Dylan Mulvaney and Miss Benny. They’ve talked about how they joke they'd be best friends even if they were "ugly kids in Michigan." It’s that kind of authentic connection that has made her such a relatable figure for a new generation of LGBTQ+ youth.
Moving Forward
If you're following Josie's journey, the best way to support her—and the trans community at large—is to focus on the work. She is an actress, writer, and producer first. Her identity is a part of her, but it isn't the only thing she brings to the table.
Actionable Insights for Allies:
- Respect the Name: It’s Josie. Using her old name (deadnaming) isn't just inaccurate; it’s disrespectful to the journey she’s shared so openly.
- Watch Her Work: Support projects like The Buccaneers or her producing work. The more these stories succeed, the more doors open for others.
- Educate Gently: When you see people confused about her identity online, point them toward her Time essay. It’s the most direct source of her truth.
Josie isn't just "that kid from Disney" anymore. She’s a powerhouse in the industry who decided that being herself was more important than being what Hollywood wanted her to be. And honestly? She’s a lot more interesting this way.