Nicole Maines

Nicole Amber Maines, born in 1997, is a prominent American actress, writer, and advocate for transgender rights. Before embarking on her acting journey, Maines became well-known as the anonymous plaintiff in the landmark case Doe v. Regional School Unit 26, which reached the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Her case challenged the refusal of her school district to allow her access to the girls' restroom, asserting that such discrimination violated her rights as a transgender student. In a groundbreaking 2014 ruling, the court declared that preventing transgender students from using facilities aligned with their gender identity was illegal, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights.

In her acting career, Maines made history by portraying Nia Nal in the CW's acclaimed superhero series Supergirl from 2018 to 2021, making her the first transgender superhero represented on television. Her role not only showcased her talent but also brought visibility to transgender issues within the realm of popular culture. Additionally, she currently appears as Lisa in the second season of the hit series Yellowjackets, which began airing in 2023.

Through her work in entertainment and her activism, Nicole Maines has become a powerful voice for the transgender community, using her platform to promote acceptance and understanding.