TS Madison is the definition of a superstar. The trailblazing media personality, actress, entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist has broken barriers as one of the most visible Black transgender women in entertainment. She’s been able to both educate and empower, all while being the loudest expression of herself. Known for her bold and unfiltered personality and larger-than-life presence, Madison first rose to fame through viral internet videos. She used that momentum to build a multifaceted career spanning television, podcasting, film and fashion. From hosting her very own reality series to serving as a recurring judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” she’s used her platform to advocate for Black trans visibility. She also challenged industry norms by being her authentic self.
By not shying away from taking up well-deserved space, Madison has alchemized her viral fame into a flourishing brand. She’s built a loyal fan base while making waves in both mainstream media and queer justice spaces. With appearances in major films, collaborations with icons like Beyoncé, and an impenetrable reign across all social media platforms, Madison is a powerful force in pop culture while remaining loyal to her own terms. Here’s a detailed look at her journey and the net worth she’s built along the way.
TS Madison Before Fame
Born Madison Hinton on Oct. 22, 1977, in Miami, Florida, Madison grew up in a religious household where expressing her gender identity led to friction. As a teen, she began taking hormones and experimenting with her gender expression. This resulted in Madison’s bosses firing her from multiple jobs due to discrimination. In her early 20s, she made ends meet and supported herself through online sex work and adult films. In the meantime, she ran her own production company, laying the groundwork for her entrepreneurial identity.
How Did TS Madison Become Famous?
Madison’s breakthrough came in 2013, when her viral Vine titled “New Weave 22 Inches” spread like wildfire online. It was a quote you couldn’t escape. Though it was only a short clip, it showcased her flamboyance, her sassy charisma and her unapologetic confidence. With the world wanting more, this immediately catapulted her into pop culture internet stardom while also easing her into the mainstream media. One viral clip can certainly do the trick, laying down the groundwork for a lasting brand.
Internet Viral
Madison’s clip racked up millions of views on Vine. It was later shared across YouTube compilations. This earned her national attention and media coverage, with every video that followed only earning her more followers. Her candid humor made her an internet darling, leading to guest appearances on shows and an expanded digital presence.
Soon, she began hosting her own web series, “The Queens Supreme Court,” combining her sassy aura with celebrity gossip and cultural commentary. Madison was intentional about using the opportunity laid in front of her, turning internet stardom into a fortified career.
Business Endeavors
Madison has diversified her brand through many avenues. She served as executive producer and star of “The TS Madison Experience,” making history as the first Black trans woman to both star in and produce her own reality show. She also took her talents to other productions, appearing in A24’s “Zola,” as well as “Bros” and “The Perfect Find.” On the smaller screen, she dazzles as a recurring judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” from season 15 onward.
With her deeply emotional story of perseverance, Madison wrote her memoir “A Light Through the Shade.” Additionally, she serves as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and Black trans visibility. She was on Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” through a vocal sample. Though she’s branched far beyond her Vine roots, she still honors social media and everything it’s given her by working on “The Queens Supreme Court” and other digital content.
What Is TS Madison’s Net Worth?
With a career rooted in purpose, change and radical authenticity, Madison has earned herself a net worth of an estimated $1.5 to $2 million. This wealth comes from the multiple streams of income she nurtures, from reality series deals and acting roles to speaking engagements and brand sponsorships. She’s also earned impressive memoir sales and a hefty check through her judging appearances on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
What Did TS Madison Win a Grammy For?
Madison has been featured on Beyoncé’s “Renaissance*” album, earning her a Grammy certificate. Her 2020 song is sampled on “Cozy.” This earned her a songwriting contribution and accolade that defines the magnificence of her career thus far.
Is TS Madison Trans?
Madison is a transgender woman. She publicly embraced her identity early in life, transitioning as a teenager while navigating gender-based discrimination and medical challenges. She has often described herself as a survivor. Now, she devotes the resources she has to advocate for trans rights, representation and education.
What Did TS Madison Get an Emmy For?
Madison has been openly working towards an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status, and she’s managed to already check two out of the four boxes off. The internet sensation has recently won an Emmy as part of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” judging panel. This not only solidifies her place within queer media, but also deepens the reach of her career.
Who Is TS Madison Dating?
No one is currently connected to Madison, as she chooses to keep her romantic life private. Sources say that she’s unmarried and living single, choosing to keep her focus on her career. While she’s certainly not been shy about speaking to her past dating experiences or the men she finds attractive, Madison is seemingly enjoying life riding solo at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does TS stand for in TS Madison? In her stage name, the “TS” stands for “Transsexual”. While the term is not preferred within the broader trans community, Madison has stated that she uses it as a way to reclaim it.
What song is TS Madison on Beyoncé’s album? Madison is featured on Beyoncé’s song “Cozy,” a song all about self-love, Black identity and and confidence.