The Matrix is a film trilogy that was directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski, two trans women who came out after the films were released. The films are widely seen as a metaphor for the trans experience, as they explore themes of identity, transformation, and liberation from oppressive systems.

Some examples of the transgender symbolism in The Matrix are:

- The concept of the Matrix itself, which is a simulated reality that traps people in a false version of themselves. This can be seen as analogous to the gender binary and the social expectations that force trans people to conform to a gender that does not match their true selves.
- The red pill and the blue pill, which are offered to Neo by Morpheus. The red pill allows him to see the truth and escape the Matrix, while the blue pill lets him remain in ignorance and comfort. This can be seen as a reference to hormone therapy, which is often a crucial step for trans people to transition and affirm their gender identity.
- The character of Switch, who was originally intended to be a man in the real world and a woman in the Matrix, but this idea was scrapped by the studio. This would have been a clear representation of gender fluidity and dysphoria, as Switch would have felt more comfortable in her virtual body than her physical one.
- The character of Neo, who undergoes a radical transformation from a timid hacker to a powerful hero. His name is an anagram of "one", which signifies his uniqueness and destiny. His birth name is Thomas Anderson, which contains the letters of "a man", while his chosen name is Neo, which contains the letters of "eon", a unit of time that implies eternity and transcendence. His journey can be seen as a metaphor for coming out and transitioning, as he rejects his assigned identity and embraces his true self.
- The character of Agent Smith, who is the main antagonist and represents the oppressive forces that try to control and erase Neo and his allies. He constantly misgenders Neo by calling him "Mr. Anderson", even after he has taken the red pill and awakened to his true self. He also tries to assimilate Neo into himself, which can be seen as a symbol of conversion therapy or erasure of trans identity.
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