Introduction: Who Is Rose Montoya?
Rose Montoya is a powerful and influential voice in the LGBTQ+ community. As a transgender, nonbinary, and bisexual individual, she has made a profound impact on both social media and real-world activism. Born in rural Idaho in 1995, Rose overcame personal and systemic challenges to become a leading figure in trans advocacy, celebrated not only for her openness and courage but also for her dedication to educating the public on gender identity and rights.
Her journey has been marked by resilience and visibility. From her early experiences of coming out and transitioning to becoming a viral figure on TikTok and Instagram, Rose Montoya embodies the intersection of personal truth and public advocacy. She uses her platform not just for representation but to challenge norms, reform institutions, and provide educational tools that are accessible to millions.
Rising to Fame Through Social Media
Rose Montoya first captured attention online through heartfelt, educational posts on TikTok and Instagram, launching her signature “Trans 101” series. These bite-sized videos demystify topics like pronouns, gender-affirming care, body autonomy, and systemic discrimination—making complex issues accessible and empathetic.
Her platform truly exploded after a viral TikTok recounting a traumatic TSA security encounter at Phoenix airport. The video—watched over 20 million times—didn’t just raise awareness; it sparked real action. Rose was later invited to consult with the Department of Homeland Security, contributing to more inclusive airport security protocols.
In 2021, when her TikTok account was unjustly suspended amid coordinated attacks on trans creators, Rose mobilized. She wrote opinion pieces, launched petitions, and helped over 100 other creators regain access—a defining moment in her advocacy journey. As she put it: “When we organize, we win. Digital storytelling is more than content—it’s community, resistance, and survival.”
Her growing influence caught the attention of major media and brands. Collaborations include sponsored campaigns with FX Networks, NYC Pride, Planned Parenthood, Fenty Beauty, and Parade magazine—raising both awareness and funding for trans rights. In 2025, she was honored as Best Local Influencer and Best Local Activist by the Los Angeles Blade Readers’ Choice Awards.
Advocacy and Impact on Trans Rights
Rose Montoya is actively reshaping the landscape of trans rights through education, community action, and policy engagement.
Elevating the Conversation
- Her “Trans 101” series—featured by the Los Angeles Blade—breaks down complex topics like pronouns, gender-affirming care, and systemic discrimination into digestible, impactful lessons.
- She’s become a vocal figure in the national dialogue, speaking at major events such as the National Trans Visibility March during World Pride 2025 in Washington, D.C.
From Viral Moment to Institutional Change
- Her 2021 TikTok recount of a discriminatory TSA screening at Phoenix airport, viewed over 20 million times, led to a direct collaboration with department agencies including the TSA and DHS to create more equitable security protocols.
Political Advocacy & Policy Influence
- Rose has met with prominent lawmakers—including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Pramila Jayapal—to lobby for trans protections in healthcare, education, and employment.
- In June 2023, she spoke at the National Press Club, urging the Biden administration to take stronger action in the face of escalating anti-trans legislation.
Supporting Community Resilience
- Beyond advocacy, Rose amplifies mutual aid efforts and mental health support within trans and LGBTQ+ communities—a mission she continues through coalition events, fundraising efforts, and grassroots organizing.
Challenges, Controversies, and Courage
White House Topless Incident
In June 2023, Rose Montoya attended the White House Pride celebration and briefly appeared topless—covering her chest with her hands—in a viral TikTok video. The White House responded, stating the act was “unacceptable” and announced that Montoya and others involved would “not be invited to future events”.
Montoya later clarified that her intention was to support the “Free the Nipple” movement and emphasize her identity as a woman, not to be provocative. She stated all legal guidelines were followed and that her cover-up was to “play it safe” legally.
TSA Screening & Airport Advocacy
In March 2021, Montoya went viral after sharing a distressing experience at Phoenix airport: TSA scanners repeatedly flagged her body, and she was offered to be scanned “as a man” before requesting a female agent for the pat-down.
That video earned over 20 million views and prompted Montoya to consult with TSA and the Department of Homeland Security, ultimately sparking discussions about more respectful screening practices.
Digital Attacks and Platform Suspensions
During a wave of coordinated harassment targeting trans creators in 2021, Rose’s account was briefly suspended. She fought back by writing op-eds, launching petitions, and helping more than 100 other creators regain access—an effort she described as a moment when “digital storytelling became community, resistance, and survival”.
Influence in Media, Fashion, and Public Speaking
Public Speaking & Advocacy Stage
Rose Montoya has taken her message from the screen to the stage—most notably delivering the keynote address at the Human Rights Campaign’s rally for the National Trans Visibility March during World Pride 2025 in Washington, D.C. This event, held on June 5, culminated in a powerful rally alongside hundreds of global advocates and even included a surprise appearance (via video) from Vice President Kamala Harris.
Beyond pride events, she’s been featured on panels at Stanford, Yale, and the National Press Club, sharing insights on trans rights, policy, and lived experience.
Modeling & Fashion Influence
In 2025, Rose appeared in the finale of Chromat’s spring collection, “Collective Opulence Celebrating Kindred,” collaborating with artist Tourmaline. She modeled for the campaign—untucked and unapologic—in a fashion-forward statement featured by Vogue, challenging traditional norms around gender expression and body autonomy.
On set footage, shared by Rose herself, highlights her confidence and vulnerability in embracing her body in swimwear—pushing boundaries in fashion and representation.
Source: Losangelesblade / En.Wikipedia
Media Coverage & Thought Leadership
Montoya continues to shape public discourse through op‑eds, interviews, and features. Highlights include her TIME Magazine op‑ed on the hypersexualization of trans bodies and coverage in OUT, Vogue, and Los Angeles Blade for her activism and modeling. Her story expands beyond identity—it’s about reshaping mainstream media’s narratives around trans lives.
Conclusion: Rose Montoya’s Lasting Legacy
Rose Montoya has emerged as a transformative figure in the fight for trans visibility and equity. From her early days sharing personal stories to driving systemic change—such as TSA reforms, consulting with policymakers, and delivering powerful speeches—she has demonstrated that storytelling can become policy. Her modeling work, like appearing untucked in Chromat’s spring 2025 campaign featured by Vogue, further underscores how visibility in fashion and media can challenge norms and redefine beauty standards .
Through consistent advocacy—from viral videos and speaking engagements to grassroots organizing—Rose continues to build a pathway toward gender inclusion and broader social justice. Her awards, including the Los Angeles Blade Reader’s Choice for Local Activist and Influencer in 2025, showcase the tangible impact she’s making in her community and beyond.
In a cultural moment marked by legislative attacks on trans people, Rose stands firm. She champions body autonomy, institutional accountability, and intersectional solidarity, proving how lived experience can drive meaningful change. Her journey—from Idaho to the global stage—reminds us that visibility isn’t enough; it must be coupled with action.
As Rose continues her work—as a speaker, model, consultant, and community advocate—her story exemplifies how one person’s voice can ignite institutional reform, inspire confidence in others, and reshape public consciousness. Her impact isn’t just media presence—it’s measurable, structural change.
FAQs
- When and where was Rose Montoya born?
- October 10, 1995, in rural southern Idaho, USA
- What is Rose Montoya known for?
- She’s best known as a transgender activist, model, public speaker, and TikTok/Instagram influencer—especially her educational “Trans 101” series—and for sparking TSA policy discussions after her viral airport screening video.
- Where did she study and what did she major in?
- She graduated in 2015 from Seattle University with a BA in Film Studies (minoring in Women & Gender Studies)
- How and why did she start her “Trans 101” series?
- Through her site TheTrans101.com and social platforms, she launched it to address frequent community questions in accessible, empathetic videos covering transition, pronouns, safety, allyship, and more.