Dominique Jackson
Dominique Jackson – Life, Career, and Influence
Explore the life, career, and advocacy of Dominique Jackson: her journey from Tobago to stardom, her iconic role in Pose, her writing, and her work for LGBTQ+ visibility.
Introduction
Dominique Jackson (also known as Dominique Brebnor, and sometimes Tyra Allure Ross) is a Tobagonian-American actress, model, author, and LGBTQ+ activist. She is best known for her powerful portrayal of Elektra Abundance in the FX series Pose, a role through which she has become a leading voice for trans visibility and human rights.
Her path has been one of resilience, transformation, and creative expression: from childhood in Trinidad and Tobago to the U.S., from struggle and marginalization to art, identity, and advocacy. Through acting, writing, and public service, Jackson uses her platform to inspire, educate, and uplift.
Early Life and Family
Dominique Jackson was born March 20, 1975, in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago.
Her early years were difficult. She has spoken about experiencing rejection from family and community due to her gender identity, enduring bullying, and suffering abuse. These formative experiences deeply influenced her sense of self, her resilience, and her later public voice.
Around age 15, Jackson moved to the United States and lived with her mother.
Education & Identity Journey
Jackson’s formal education details are less documented in public sources, but her identity journey has been central to her work and public presence. She has openly discussed her gender-affirmation process, including undergoing gender-confirming surgery in 2015.
Career and Achievements
Modeling & Early Work
To build her career, Jackson started doing modeling and photo modeling work, often unpaid, to gain visibility and break into fashion circles.Vogue España among others.
Later, she walked the runway in high-profile shows like Mugler, demonstrating her range beyond acting.
Television & Film Roles
Jackson’s acting career spans television, film, and documentary work. Here are some highlights:
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Pose (2018–2021) — She is best known for her role as Elektra Abundance, a significant character in the FX drama set in New York’s ballroom culture.
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Strut (2016) — She appeared as herself in this reality series about transgender models.
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American Gods (2021) — She appeared in a recurring role as Ms. World.
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American Horror Stories (2022) — She played Bloody Mary in one episode.
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Chick Fight (2020) — In film, she portrayed Naomi.
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Documentary & Voice Work — Jackson appeared as herself in documentaries like My Truth, My Story: A Caribbean LGBTQ+ Oral History Project and Visible: The LGBTQ Caribbean Diaspora.
Her credits are also detailed at TV Insider, which lists her as actor, author, model, and more.
Writing & Activism
Jackson spent about 13 years writing her memoir and published The Transsexual from Tobago (also sometimes spelled Transsexual from Tobago (Revised)) as a candid account of her life, identity, and journey.
Her activism work is notable: she has worked with nonprofits (e.g. Destination Tomorrow in the Bronx) and has engaged in public speaking, visibility campaigns, and advocacy for transgender rights.
She has also used her visibility to speak out about mental health, violence against trans people, and the importance of safe spaces and acceptance.
Style, Voice & Influence
Jackson’s public persona combines vulnerability, fierceness, elegance, and advocacy. As Elektra, she brought depth and power to a character within marginalized subculture; as Dominique, she shares personal truths and uses her platform for community uplift.
She bridges art, identity, and activism. Her choices in roles and her own storytelling reflect themes of survival, transformation, and dignity.
Her influence is strong in LGBTQ+ circles, particularly for trans women of color. She is cited as an inspiration for visibility, representation, and courage.
Known Quotes & Remarks
While Jackson is more often quoted in interviews than in collected "famous quotes" anthologies, here are a few lines and sentiments attributed to her:
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She has expressed that for many trans folks, “New York gave me the ability to breathe … to feel like I could make it.” (from an interview)
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She has candidly spoken about fear, anxiety, and trauma endured over many years, especially in relation to violence, identity, and public exposure.
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In public remarks, she has emphasized that her trans identity “shouldn't affect me” when it comes to casting or opportunity.
Lessons from Dominique Jackson
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Authenticity matters
Jackson’s willingness to share her personal struggles—and triumphs—makes her art and activism more credible and resonant. -
Representation changes lives
By playing a trans character in a major show and being vocal, she opens doors for audiences and aspiring artists who seldom see themselves on screen. -
Survival can fuel purpose
Her journey through hardship, identity struggle, and survival shaped the depth, empathy, and urgency of her work. -
Art & advocacy can coexist
Jackson shows one need not separate the personal, the political, and the artistic—they can inform and uplift one another. -
Visibility is a responsibility
She uses her platform not just for fame, but to speak for, and stand with, communities that remain marginalized and vulnerable.
Conclusion
Dominique Jackson is more than an actress—she is a storyteller, a voice for change, and a living example of endurance and grace. From Tobago to New York, through hardship to acclaim, her life and work map a journey of transformation.
Her role as Elektra in Pose introduced her to many, but her writing, activism, and continued engagement ensure her legacy extends beyond the screen. If you’d like a deeper dive into her interviews, film-by-film breakdown, or even translations of her memoir, I’d be glad to help further.