Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer opens up about her gender-affirming surgery and personal journey @hunterschafer/Instagram

Hunter Schafer has opened up about her decision to have gender-affirming bottom surgery, sharing that the operation was a positive step in her personal journey. The Euphoria star revealed that she had the procedure in December 2025 and said she was happy with the result.

In a new interview published on Monday, 19 October, the 27-year-old actress also spoke about how her view of her gender identity has changed over time. 'I'm a woman. I'm a girl,' she said, explaining where she now stands after years of exploring her identity.

Why Schafer Chose Surgery

Schafer said she spent a long time embracing the gender-expansive side of herself before deciding to have surgery. She had hoped to feel comfortable in her previous body, which she once saw as an important part of her identity.

'I really wanted to try to make that previous body work, because I thought there was something really cool and badass about it,' she explained. However, she later found that her ideas about identity did not always match her daily life or how she wanted to live.

The actress said she eventually reached a point where medical transition felt right for her. She also made clear that every transgender person has a different experience, and what works for one person may not be the right choice for another.

'I'm a Woman. I'm a Girl'

Schafer described the ability to change and grow as one of the most meaningful parts of being queer. She said it can involve exploring new ideas, learning about yourself and finding a way to live that feels right.

For a long time, she viewed her gender identity as more fluid. She now feels she has reached a clearer understanding of herself, saying, 'I'm a woman. I'm a girl.' She also spoke about the gap between ideas about queerness and the realities of everyday life. Her experience led her to think about how personal beliefs fit into the world around her and how she wants to be seen by others.

Schafer Wants To Be More

Schafer has previously spoken about wanting people to see her as more than her transgender identity. In a 2024 interview, she said she had tried to avoid bringing up the word 'trans' because she did not want it to become the main focus of every conversation about her career.

'I worked so hard to get to where I am, past these really hard points in my transition, and now I just want to be a girl and finally move on,' she said at the time. Her comments showed her wish to be recognised for her work rather than have her identity define every part of her public life.

She also acknowledged that being a well-known transgender woman gave her a level of influence and visibility that many others do not have. While she felt some responsibility to speak for the community, she believed that building her career and taking on meaningful work could also make a difference.

What Comes Next for Schafer

Schafer became widely known for playing Jules in Euphoria, a role that brought her both fame and attention from transgender viewers. The series helped launch her acting career and made her a familiar face to audiences around the world.

She has also appeared in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the horror film Cuckoo. Her work has continued to reach beyond one role, as she takes on different characters and projects.

Schafer is set to appear opposite Michelle Yeoh in the upcoming series Blade Runner 2099. As she continues her career, her latest comments offer a personal look at a decision she says has made her happy, while reinforcing that each person's path through gender identity and medical care is different.