Who is LGBTQ in Jessie?

Jessie and LGBTQ Representation: The Story of Josie Totah

While the Disney Channel series Jessie didn't center on LGBTQ storylines, one of its cast members has become a significant figure in queer representation in Hollywood—Josie Totah. Though not explicitly addressed in the show, Totah’s journey since her time on Jessie has brought visibility to transgender identities in the entertainment industry.

Josie Totah played the sharp-witted character Zuri Ross on Jessie from 2011 to 2015. At the time, she was known as J. Smith-Cameron and portrayed male characters earlier in her career. However, in August 2018, she publicly came out as transgender and changed her first name to Josie—a deeply personal and courageous moment shared in an essay for Time magazine.

Her performance as Justin in the 2016 film Other People earned critical praise, showcasing her talent long before her public transition. In 2018, she starred in the short-lived NBC comedy Champions, playing a character more aligned with her true identity—an experience she described as empowering.

Josie Totah’s journey reflects both the challenges and progress faced by transgender individuals in Hollywood. Today, she continues to advocate for authentic representation, using her platform to normalize trans identities in media. Her story reminds us that visibility matters—not just for storytelling, but for real lives behind the scenes.

Though Jessie may not have explored LGBTQ themes directly, Josie’s evolution as an artist and activist adds a meaningful layer to the show’s legacy, especially for young fans who see themselves in her journey.