Euphoria star Hunter Schafer opens up about gender-affirming surgery and her journey

Euphoria star Hunter Schafer has spoken openly about undergoing gender-affirming surgery in December 2025, describing the experience as an important step in her personal journey. The 27-year-old actress and model discussed her decision in a new interview with ELLE, published on 20 October 2026.

Known for playing Jules Vaughn in HBO's Euphoria, Schafer reflected on how her understanding of her identity has evolved and why she now feels more comfortable defining herself as a woman.

What did Hunter Schafer reveal?

Speaking to ELLE, Schafer confirmed that she underwent gender-affirming genital surgery last December and expressed happiness with her decision.

She explained that she had previously embraced a broader understanding of gender and spent years exploring what that meant for her. Over time, however, she realised that her personal experience and how she wanted to live did not always match those earlier ideas.

Schafer emphasised that her decision was individual and that transgender people do not all follow the same path. Her comments reflected a changing understanding of her own identity rather than an expectation that others should make similar choices.

How has Hunter Schafer's perspective changed?

The actress described moving towards a more straightforward understanding of herself as a woman, while continuing to value the freedom to explore and question identity.

She also discussed the challenges transgender people can encounter in everyday life, including official documentation that does not reflect their identity.

Her interview offers a personal perspective on transition, highlighting that there is no single experience shared by every transgender person.

What is Hunter Schafer working on next?

Schafer became internationally recognised through Euphoria, where her portrayal of Jules established her as one of the show's breakout performers.

She has since appeared in films including The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Cuckoo, expanding her career beyond the HBO drama.

She is also part of the cast of Blade Runner 2099, the upcoming Prime Video science-fiction series. The project marks another major television role for the actress as her career continues to develop.

Hunter Schafer at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. Photo: Kevin Paul / CC BY 4.0.