Shocking Celeb Transformations That Make You Wonder If It’s Even the Same Person
Balian Buschbaum – Born in 1980
Balian Buschbaum, formerly Yvonne Buschbaum, is a German pole vaulter who made headlines with his transformation. In 2007, he retired from athletics to undergo gender reassignment surgery, adopting the name “Balian” after a character in the film “Kingdom of Heaven.” The process included hormone therapy and surgeries, resulting in a more traditionally masculine appearance.
After his transition, Balian embraced roles as a coach and motivational speaker, sharing his experiences to inspire others. In 2013, he served as a high jump coach in Mainz, Germany. His courage and openness have made him a prominent figure in discussions about gender identity and sports.
Ryan Sallans – Born in 1979
Ryan Sallans, born in 1979 in Aurora, Nebraska, is a distinguished transgender advocate, author, and public speaker. In 2005, he began his transition from female to male, initiating hormone therapy and undergoing top surgery in Omaha. After several procedures over the years, he has successfully aligned his physical self with his gender identity.
Ryan’s journey was featured in the 2006 documentary “Gender Rebel,” which brought his story to a wider audience. He has authored two memoirs, “Second Son” and “Transforming Manhood,” which offer insights into his experience and advocacy work. Beyond his writing, he travels and speaks on transgender issues and healthcare to foster inclusivity.
Kye Allums – Born in 1989
Kye Allums made history as the first openly transgender NCAA Division I athlete. Born female, he played three seasons as a guard for George Washington University’s women’s basketball team. In 2010, Kye publicly came out as a trans man, choosing to delay hormone treatments and surgeries to maintain his eligibility for the women’s team.
After graduating, Kye became a vocal advocate for transgender inclusion in sports, sharing his journey to inspire others. In 2014, he was featured in Laverne Cox’s documentary “The T Word,” which highlighted the experiences of transgender youth. Kye’s courage and advocacy have paved the way for a better understanding of transgender athletes.
Caitlyn Jenner – Born in 1949
Caitlyn Jenner, born William Bruce Jenner in New York, first gained fame as an Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete in 1976. In 2015, she publicly came out as transgender and began her transition. That March, Caitlyn underwent a facial feminization surgery, which included procedures like brow lifting and jaw reshaping.
In January 2017, she had gender confirmation surgery, and her new appearance received mainstream coverage. In 2023, Caitlyn participated in the documentary House of Kardashian, offering insights into the family’s dynamics and her experiences. Outside her life as a trans woman, she owns multiple business interests, including the 2024-released ‘meme coin,’ “$JENNER.”