Jesse James Keitel: 5 Groundbreaking Roles That Redefined Non-Binary Representation In Hollywood

Jesse James Keitel is not just an actor; she is a trailblazer whose presence on screen, as of the current date, December 15, 2025, continues to shatter industry norms and elevate the conversation around non-binary identity in mainstream media. Her career trajectory, from the gritty reality of *Big Sky* to the expansive universe of *Star Trek*, showcases a powerful commitment to authentic storytelling and a refusal to be confined by traditional Hollywood binaries. Keitel's latest projects, including a starring role in the upcoming horror film *The Designer* and an executive producer credit on the docuseries *T-Town*, solidify her status as one of the most sought-after and influential voices of her generation, constantly breaking new ground for queer performers. Her work is defined by an undeniable force and versatility, tackling roles that range from a complex sex worker to a celestial figure, all while maintaining a deeply personal connection to her identity. This detailed look explores the key milestones of her life and career, focusing on the groundbreaking roles and fresh projects that are keeping her in the spotlight.

Complete Biography and Profile of Jesse James Keitel

Jesse James Keitel is an American actress, writer, and artist who has become a prominent figure in Hollywood, particularly for her work in representing non-binary and transgender characters.

• Full Name: Jesse James Keitel
• Date of Birth: May 22, 1993
• Place of Birth: Manorville, Suffolk County, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Education: Keitel earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in acting from Pace University.
• Early Career: Prior to her breakthrough, Keitel was known to perform in drag under the alias Peroxide, as a member of the Haus of.
• Breakthrough Role: Jerrie Kennedy in the ABC crime drama series *Big Sky*.
• Identity: Keitel is openly non-binary and uses she/her and they/them pronouns, though she has also expressed a more fluid relationship with gender, stating, "I am very much more binary now. The part of me that is nonbinary is just that, none of this is real, none of this matters."
• Key Roles: Jerrie Kennedy (*Big Sky*), Ruthie (*Queer as Folk*), Angel (*Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*).
• Recent Activity: Attended the 'Eternity' premiere in New York on November 8, 2025.

The Breakthrough: From Jerrie Kennedy to Galactic Trailblazer

Keitel’s rise to prominence began with a series of powerful, identity-driven roles that challenged the limited scope of LGBTQ+ characters in television. Her early work, including the award-winning short film *Miller & Son* (2019), showcased a talent for nuanced, emotional performance.

Jerrie Kennedy: The Non-Binary Heart of Big Sky

The role that catapulted Keitel into the mainstream was Jerrie Kennedy in the ABC crime drama *Big Sky*. Jerrie was a transfeminine non-binary musician and sex worker, a character whose complexity was groundbreaking for network television. Keitel's portrayal was widely praised for its depth and humanity, offering a representation that went beyond simple tokenism. The show debuted on November 17, 2020, and Keitel became one of the first non-binary actors to play a non-binary series regular on a major primetime network show. This role established her as a serious dramatic actor capable of carrying a major television plotline.

Angel in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

In 2022, Keitel joined the *Star Trek* universe, guest-starring as Angel in *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*. This role marked another significant milestone, as she played a non-binary character in one of science fiction’s most enduring franchises. The *Star Trek* franchise has always been a pioneer in diversity, and Keitel's casting continued this legacy. Her character, Angel, provided a powerful, high-profile example of non-binary identity in a future-forward setting, further expanding the visibility of the community in a genre that often reflects societal aspirations.

Ruthie in the Queer as Folk Reboot

Keitel was the first actor announced for the 2022 reboot of the iconic series *Queer as Folk*. She played Ruthie, a trans, former party girl whose life is complicated by the events of the series. Taking on a role in such a beloved and historically significant piece of queer media demonstrated the industry's recognition of her as a leading voice. The show provided a platform for her to explore a different facet of the queer experience, moving from the crime drama of *Big Sky* to a more community-focused narrative.

Upcoming Projects: Horror, Indie Film, and Executive Production

Keitel is not slowing down, with multiple fresh projects in various stages of production that highlight her expanding role from actor to producer and advocate. These upcoming ventures demonstrate a strategic focus on diverse and challenging content.

The Designer: A Dive into Body Horror

One of the most anticipated projects is the horror film *The Designer*, where Keitel is set to star alongside a talented ensemble cast. The film is described as a body horror flick written and directed by Em Johnson. Keitel will be joined by established actors such as Gina Gershon, Ethan Slater, Michelle Hurd, and Annie Golden. The movie centers on a character named Gerry, played by Katherine Waddell, and Keitel’s involvement in the horror genre is a bold move that showcases her desire to explore a wide range of cinematic landscapes. The movie is currently in pre-production, making this a very timely update on her career.

T-Town: Championing Trans Entrepreneurship

Beyond acting, Keitel is making significant moves behind the camera as an executive producer for the upcoming docuseries *T-Town*. The series is dedicated to profiling transgender entrepreneurs, shining a light on their professional journeys and successes. Keitel's decision to take on an executive role, which was announced in November 2021, reflects her deep commitment to activism and using her platform to highlight the stories and achievements of the trans community, particularly in the business world. This venture is a clear extension of her vocal advocacy for trans rights, a cause she has stated is under constant attack and in need of more visibility.

Riding Shotgun: The Indie Film Circuit

Keitel is also expanding her filmography with the indie movie *Riding Shotgun*. Reports indicate the film is currently being shot outside of Vancouver, and it is connected to filmmaker Dionne Copland. While details on the plot are scarce, her decision to participate in independent cinema demonstrates a commitment to artistic projects outside of the major studio system, often allowing for more creative and unconventional roles.

The Impact of a Non-Binary Voice in Mainstream Media

Jesse James Keitel’s career is a masterclass in leveraging visibility for advocacy. Her identity as a non-binary performer is central to her public persona, not as a gimmick, but as a driving force for change in an industry historically dominated by cisgender and binary narratives. Keitel has frequently spoken about the challenges and the groundbreaking nature of her work. She has noted that as a non-binary performer in Hollywood, "Every few minutes one of us is breaking new ground." This perspective highlights the reality that while progress is being made, each new role is a monumental step forward for the entire community. She emphasizes the importance of finding her own voice and using it to push boundaries. The success of her roles in *Big Sky* and *Star Trek* proves that audiences are ready and eager for diverse and authentic storytelling. Keitel’s work inspires a new generation of non-binary and queer actors, solidifying her legacy not just as a talented actress but as a crucial figure in the evolution of media representation. Her continued involvement in projects like *The Designer* and *T-Town* ensures that her influence will be felt across genres and production roles for years to come.