Acting
In 2005, Ross made her acting debut in the comedy film Natale a Miami, followed by a role in the short film Bella Maddo (2010). In 2016, Ross received recognition for starring in Her Story, a web series about trans women in Los Angeles.[1][7] The series was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama.[8][9] In 2017, she made guest appearances in the CBS legal drama series Doubt, the TNT crime drama series Claws, and the Amazon Prime Video comedy-drama series Transparent.[10] She also executive produced and starred in the short film Missed Connections, which went on to be an official selection at Outfest 2017, Baltimore International Black Film Festival 2017, La Femme International Film Festival 2017, and Outflix Film Festival 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. In June 2017, Ross provided voice work for the Amazon Video animated series Danger & Eggs.[11][12]
Her breakthrough role came in 2018, as Candy Ferocity in Ryan Murphy's FX drama series Pose. For her performance, she earned critical acclaim.[13] She went on to star as psychologist Donna Chambers in the FX anthology horror series American Horror Story: 1984, which made her the first transgender actress to secure two series regular roles. The series was also her second collaboration with Murphy.[14] Her performance garnered critical acclaim by fans and critics alike. In 2021 Ross returned as a series regular for the show's tenth season.[15]
In 2020, Ross signed a deal with Pigeon to develop its television projects.[16] She portrays Georgia, a transgender woman, in the 2022 film Framing Agnes.[17]
Ross made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago in a limited engagement from September 12 to November 6, 2022. With this role, she became the first trans woman to play a leading role on Broadway.[18][19]
On September 21, 2023, Ross posted on Twitter that she is "leaving Hollywood", having experienced what she perceived as a pattern of mistreatment in the industry.[20] In an interview published the following day, she related more details about her experiences on the set of American Horror Story, and stated that she is moving back to Georgia and preparing to run for public office.[21]
Technology
Ross taught herself coding,[22][23] and started her journey in the technology industry in web management.[24] She also learned graphic design and photography using videos online, taking photos for rappers and designing backstage passes.[25] Ross later was hired by the Chicago House's TransLife Center which caters to trans individuals seeking employment, housing and other aid.[25] Her role focused on employment coordination program development.[25]
In 2014, Ross founded the company TransTech Social Enterprises, acting as CEO.[2]
Other ventures
In January 2024, Ross announced the launch of a new weekly podcast, N.O.W.: No Opportunity Wasted, featuring "deep discussion on everything from politics to pop culture with world leaders, celebrities and everyday people".[33][34]
In February 2026, Ross became communications director for the Butch Ware campaign for governor of California.[35]
