Actor and activist Hunter Schafer has publicly shared that she underwent gender-affirming bottom surgery in December 2025. The 27-year-old star, widely recognized for her role as Jules in the hit series Euphoria, discussed the procedure, her evolving perspective on gender identity, and her recovery process in an interview for ELLE’s November 2026 issue.
Reflecting on her decision to move forward with the procedure, Schafer explained how her understanding of gender expression and identity has matured over time. While she had previously embraced a gender-expansive approach to her identity and physical form, she ultimately chose to undergo genitourinary reconstruction surgery-commonly known as bottom surgery-late last year.
“I just had bottom surgery in December, which was amazing, and I love it so much,” Schafer shared in the interview, which was published on October 19.
Recovery and Personal Reflection
Following the procedure at the end of last year, Schafer focused on a strict and careful recovery process during the early months of 2026. She rented a spacious apartment to rest and strictly limited her physical mobility under medical guidance.
“I think my limit was 150 steps per day, which is nothing,” she recalled, noting that she found solace and support from a close circle of visiting friends and family during her downtime.
Medical experts note that bottom surgery encompasses a wide variety of individualized feminizing or masculinizing genitourinary reconstruction procedures. Schafer noted that sharing her personal medical milestone felt like a meaningful way to bridge the gap between private reality and public identity politics.
“Maybe it’s a good thing to share, for the tension I was talking about between those two worlds,” she added.
A Consistent Voice for Transgender Advocacy
Beyond her acting career, Schafer has maintained a prominent platform as an advocate for transgender rights and visibility. As a teenager, she famously protested North Carolina’s restrictive bathroom legislation during a 2016 rally at the state’s General Assembly.
More recently, Schafer has continued to speak out against administrative hurdles impacting transgender individuals, using her voice to address systemic challenges and champion community solidarity. Her candid disclosure regarding her recent surgery adds another layer of authentic representation to ongoing public conversations about gender-affirming healthcare, bodily autonomy, and lived experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunter Schafer
When did Hunter Schafer undergo gender-affirming surgery?
Hunter Schafer underwent gender-affirming bottom surgery in December 2025, a detail she publicly shared in October 2026.
What role is Hunter Schafer most famous for?
Schafer gained international recognition and acclaim for her role as Jules Vaughn in the HBO drama series Euphoria.
What magazine featured Hunter Schafer’s interview about her surgery?
She discussed her surgery, recovery, and views on gender identity in an interview featured in ELLE’s November 2026 issue.
What is gender-affirming bottom surgery?
Bottom surgery, or genitourinary reconstruction surgery, refers to a range of surgical procedures that help align a person’s physical characteristics with their gender identity.
