Laverne Cox’s Success is Transgender Women’s Success
Laverne Cox has become one of the most influential transgender figures in entertainment and advocacy, breaking barriers for trans representation in mainstream media. She rose to international fame through her role as Sophia Burset on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, where she portrayed a complex transgender character navigating life in prison.
This breakthrough role earned her a historic Emmy nomination in 2014, making her the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. Beyond acting, Cox has used her platform to advocate for transgender rights, pushing for greater visibility and fighting for legal protections for trans individuals.
Growing Up
Long before she became a household name, one wouldn’t easily believe the struggles that she’s gone through.
Growing up at a time when being transgender wasn’t understood and accepted truly molded her strength and drive to be who she is today.
Early Years in Alabama
Laverne Cox was born on May 29, 1972, in Mobile, Alabama, where she grew up with her twin brother under the care of their single mother and grandmother. Raised in a conservative, religious household, Cox’s early years were marked by a deep sense of isolation as she struggled with her gender identity.
From a young age, she recognized that she did not fit into traditional gender norms, feeling more aligned with femininity than the male identity she was assigned at birth. However, growing up in a conservative environment meant that this self-recognition often led to bullying and confusion, which deeply impacted her sense of self-worth.
Early Struggles with Identity
During her childhood, she was frequently bullied for her femininity and nonconformity, and she even attempted suicide at the age of 11. Her emotional struggles were compounded by societal rejection, as she faced intense pressure to conform to traditional gender expectations.
Despite these challenges, she found solace in creative expression. She was drawn to the arts, particularly dance, and used this as an outlet to escape the harsh realities of her life. Her passion for the performing arts would eventually become her pathway out of Mobile and into a more accepting world.
Finding a Path Forward Through Education
After receiving a scholarship, she attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where she began to embrace androgyny. Her time there marked a pivotal period of self-discovery, as she explored her gender identity in a more open environment.
Cox later earned a dance scholarship to attend Indiana University, but it wasn’t until her transfer to Marymount Manhattan College in New York that she fully embraced her identity as a transgender woman.
Surrounded by a more diverse and accepting community in New York, she began her medical transition and became increasingly involved in acting, laying the foundation for her future career.
Breaking into Acting
By the time she landed her breakout role in Orange Is the New Black, Cox had spent over a decade building her credibility and breaking down barriers in a system that was not yet ready for transgender actors.
Early Acting Struggles in New York
Laverne Cox moved to New York City in pursuit of an acting career after completing her studies at Marymount Manhattan College. Despite her talent and passion, breaking into the acting industry as a transgender woman was not easy.
She found herself stuck in survival jobs, including working as a waitress, to support herself while auditioning for roles. In an industry with limited opportunities for transgender women, she faced numerous rejections, often being told that roles for women like her didn’t exist.
However, she remained determined, leveraging her unique experiences to continue auditioning, even for small and independent projects.
Reality TV as a Stepping Stone
Her first significant break came when she appeared as a contestant on VH1’s I Want to Work for Diddy in 2008. As the first African-American transgender woman to compete in a reality competition, Cox used the platform to showcase her determination and talent. Although the experience was challenging, it opened new doors for her in the entertainment industry.
She later produced and starred in TRANSform Me, a makeover show on VH1, making her the first African-American transgender woman to produce and star in her own television show. These early experiences helped Cox hone her media presence and expand her network within the entertainment world.
Gaining Recognition in Independent Films
While continuing to pursue acting, she also appeared in various independent films and off-Broadway productions, building her portfolio and refining her craft. One of her early roles in the film Carla (2011), where she played a transgender woman, garnered her recognition within the indie film scene.
These roles allowed her to push for authentic representations of transgender individuals on screen, which would become a hallmark of her career.
Orange is the New Black
The success of Orange Is the New Black and Cox’s role as Sophia Burset significantly impacted transgender visibility in popular culture.
The show became a major cultural phenomenon, reaching millions of viewers around the world, and Cox used this platform to advocate for transgender rights.
Landing the Role of Sophia Burset
Her career took a significant turn when she was cast as Sophia Burset in Netflix’s groundbreaking series Orange Is the New Black (2013). Sophia, a transgender inmate who is navigating life in a women’s prison, became one of the most prominent transgender characters in television history.
The role not only provided a platform for Cox to showcase her acting abilities but also introduced mainstream audiences to the experiences of transgender women, particularly issues related to healthcare and prison reform. Cox’s portrayal of Sophia was informed by her own experiences, allowing her to bring authenticity and nuance to the character.
Historical Emmy Nomination and Critical Acclaim
In 2014, Laverne Cox made history by becoming the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Her nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series solidified her place as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
Her performance earned widespread praise for its depth and sensitivity, as she brought humanity and dignity to a role that could have easily been reduced to a stereotype. Beyond the Emmy nomination, her role in Orange Is the New Black opened conversations about the representation of transgender people in media, as her character was one of the first to depict a transgender woman as a fully developed individual rather than a token or caricature.
Expanding Her Career and Influence
Following her breakout role in Orange Is the New Black, Laverne Cox expanded her acting career, taking on roles in a variety of projects that showcased her versatility.
Other Acting Projects
She appeared in The Mindy Project and Doubt, where she became the first transgender woman to play a transgender lawyer on a broadcast series. Her ability to move between different genres and characters highlighted her range as an actress, proving that she was more than just a single role.
She also took on the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again, a bold reimagining of the cult classic, which further cemented her presence in mainstream entertainment.
Finally, who would forget about her role as Kacey Dukes on the iconic hit book-turned-Netflix TV Series Inventing Anna?
Documentary Work and Producing
In addition to acting, she expanded her influence by producing content that furthered the conversation around transgender representation. She served as an executive producer on the MTV documentary The T Word, which explores the lives of transgender youth. This project helped provide much-needed visibility to the experiences of young trans people, giving a voice to their struggles and successes.
She also produced the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary Disclosure (2020), which examines Hollywood’s portrayal of transgender people throughout the history of film and television. The documentary was praised for its in-depth analysis and is regarded as one of the most comprehensive looks at transgender representation in the media.
Becoming a Fashion and Cultural Icon
Cox’s influence extends beyond acting and filmmaking—she has become a cultural icon in the world of fashion and beyond. Her appearances on red carpets are often seen as moments of empowerment, as she proudly embraces her identity as a transgender woman of color.
She became the first openly transgender woman to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds and graced the cover of TIME magazine in 2014, a monumental moment in her career that further cemented her status as a trailblazer.
The First Transgender Barbie
In May 2022, Mattel made history by releasing the first Barbie doll modeled after an openly transgender person—Laverne Cox.
The doll was released just before Cox’s 50th birthday as part of Barbie’s Tribute Collection, which highlights cultural trailblazers.
More Transgender Visibility
For Cox, the release was not only a personal milestone but also a powerful symbol of visibility for the transgender community. She expressed how meaningful it was to see herself represented in such an iconic form, especially during a time when transgender rights, particularly for children, are under significant political attack in the United States.
Her Participation
She played an active role in designing the doll, which features a red tulle gown layered over a silver bodysuit, reflecting her bold and glamorous style. More than just a collector’s item, this Barbie represents Cox’s journey as a trailblazer in both entertainment and activism. The doll, available at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, became a symbol of pride not only for Cox but also for transgender individuals around the world.
Activism and Advocacy
Laverne Cox has used her platform as a renowned actress to become a fierce advocate for transgender rights and social justice.
Her activism is deeply personal, stemming from her own experiences as a transgender woman of color.
Non-stop Work for Trans Rights
Cox often speaks about the need for transgender individuals to have access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and legal protection. She has been particularly vocal about ending violence against transgender women, especially Black and Latina trans women, who face disproportionate rates of discrimination and violence.
She regularly collaborates with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to promote trans-inclusive policies and challenge discriminatory laws.
Visibility and Representation in Media
A major aspect of Cox’s activism centers on increasing transgender representation in media. She has long emphasized how the lack of positive, nuanced portrayals of transgender people in entertainment contributes to the marginalization of the community.
Fighting for Trans Youth
One of her most passionate causes is protecting the rights of transgender youth. She has spoken out against the wave of anti-transgender legislation that seeks to restrict trans children’s access to gender-affirming healthcare and participation in sports.
In her advocacy work, she highlights the importance of allowing young people to express their identities freely and access the care they need to thrive.
During public speaking events and interviews, she frequently calls attention to the challenges trans youth face, urging lawmakers and the public to support policies that affirm and protect their rights.
Laverne Cox’s journey from her early struggles in Alabama to becoming a celebrated actress and advocate is nothing short of inspiring. Sharing stories like hers is crucial in raising awareness and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
Follow Laverne Cox
Stay connected with Laverne Cox and support her journey by following her on social media and professional platforms:
- Facebook: @lavernecoxforreal
- Instagram: @lavernecox
- Threads: @lavernecox
- X: @lavernecox
- Youtube: @lavernecox
- TikTok: @lavernecox
You can help foster empathy, challenge harmful stereotypes, and create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone. Let’s continue to educate about transgender rights, just as Laverne Cox has done throughout her remarkable career.
