Nicole Maines, born on October 7, 1997, is a prominent American actress, comic book writer, and a passionate advocate for transgender rights. Before stepping into the limelight, she made headlines as the anonymous plaintiff in the landmark case Doe v. Regional School Unit 26. This pivotal case, decided by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in 2014, established that denying transgender students access to school bathrooms that align with their gender identity is unlawful, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights.
As an actress, Maines gained recognition for her groundbreaking role as Nia Nal in the CW superhero series Supergirl, where she portrayed the first transgender superhero on television from 2018 to 2021. Her performance not only showcased her talent but also brought visibility to transgender narratives in mainstream media.
Currently, Nicole Maines continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry with a recurring role as Lisa in the critically acclaimed series Yellowjackets, which began airing its second season in 2023. Through her work, she remains a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community, using her platform to advocate for equality and representation.