The Bond girl widely recognized in response to the question, and notable for her groundbreaking story as a transgender woman, is Caroline 'Tula' Cossey. She was assigned male at birth but went on to transition and have a successful modeling career before and after her appearance in the James Bond series.
The Groundbreaking Story of Caroline Cossey
Caroline Cossey, often known by her modeling name Tula, is an English model and actress whose life story has made a significant impact on transgender visibility and rights. Her journey as a transgender woman became widely known following her role in a major film, leading to both personal challenges and advocacy.
Her Role in James Bond's "For Your Eyes Only"
Cossey appeared as an extra in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only, starring Roger Moore as 007. Her brief but memorable appearance as one of the pool girls helped elevate her public profile within the entertainment industry.
Key details of her appearance include:
- Film: For Your Eyes Only (1981)
- Role: An uncredited extra, specifically a pool girl alongside other models.
- Significance: Her participation contributed to the film's glamorous backdrop.
Her involvement in such a high-profile movie led to her transgender identity being publicly outed by a British tabloid after the film's release. This invasive act forced Cossey into the spotlight under challenging circumstances, but she bravely chose to speak out and advocate for transgender rights, publishing her autobiography and campaigning for legal recognition of transgender individuals.
Beyond Bond: A Life of Advocacy and Visibility
After her role in For Your Eyes Only and the subsequent outing, Caroline Cossey became a prominent figure in the fight for transgender rights. She courageously shared her story, contributing to greater understanding and acceptance of transgender people.
Highlights of her impact:
- Autobiography: She published her autobiography, I Am a Woman, sharing her personal journey and advocating for legal recognition.
- Legal Battles: Cossey fought legal battles to have her gender recognized on her birth certificate and to marry as a woman, taking her case to the European Court of Human Rights.
- Modeling Career: Despite the controversies, she continued to have a successful modeling career, appearing in fashion magazines and campaigns globally.
- Legacy: Her resilience and public advocacy paved the way for future discussions on gender identity, human rights, and privacy. She remains an important figure in LGBTQ+ history, particularly for her pioneering role in raising awareness about transgender lives.
Her story is a testament to perseverance and the importance of self-identity in the face of societal challenges.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Caroline 'Tula' Cossey |
| Birth Sex | Assigned male at birth |
| Gender Identity | Woman (Transgender) |
| James Bond Film | For Your Eyes Only (1981) |
| Role in Film | Uncredited extra (pool girl) |
| Key Contributions | Modeling, acting, transgender rights advocacy, author of I Am a Woman |
| Historical Impact | Pioneering figure in transgender visibility and legal rights in the UK and Europe |
[[Transgender Figures]]
