Although Bruce Jenner hasn’t publicly commented on the speculation that he’s transitioning from male to female, he’s just one of many public figures bringing attention to the transgender community. Another notable name? Laverne Cox.
Transgender storylines are popping up in mainstream media much more frequently. Coach Shannon Beiste, played by Dot-Marie Jones on Fox’s Glee, is transitioning from a woman to a man on the show. Discovery Life is also set to premiere a reality show focused on several transgender people called New Girls on the Block.
Government policies are even taking a stand for the transgender community with 18 states and the District of Columbia abiding by laws that prevent gender identity discrimination in the workplace.
Cox, who plays Sophia Burset on Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, is arguably the most influential transgender celebrity pushing for these strides. In 2014, the 30-year-old became the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy. She also graced the cover of Time and received GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award for her undeniable influence.
“I have to say I’m really, really overwhelmed. I’m still not used to getting awards,” she said while receiving the GLAAD honor. “I’m an African-American transgender woman from a working class background, raised by a single mother. We are not programmed to think we should receive these kinds of awards, but I like to think that things are changing.”
Get to know the actress a little more and SHARE her inspirational story with your friends!
Laverne Cox grew up in Mobile, AL and came out as transgender while living in New York City.
She recalls being bullied in junior high for who she is.
She realized in third grade that she was transgender after her teacher called her mother to comment on her behavior.
She enlisted in dance class that same year.
But she always dreamed of making it in Hollywood.
Cox was told by many agents that she would not work because she is transgender, but agent Paul Hilepo took a chance on her.
She rose to fame in 2013 with her role as Sophia Burset on Netflix’s Orange is the New Black. The character is also a transgender woman.
She has an identical twin brother named M. Lamar who played her pre-transition character on the hit show.
In 2014, Cox became the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy — something she didn't expect.
That same year, she became the first transgender person to be on the cover of Time magazine.
She was even awarded GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award for her influence in the LGBT community.
Now, as she continues to excel professionally, Cox is one of the most influential advocates for the LGBT community.
