Laverne Cox, actress and LGBT advocate has had quite a fulfilling career.
Since landing her breakout role in 2013 in the wildly popular Netflix series “Orange is the New Black”, playing Sophia Burset, a transgender convict, Laverne has become probably the most popular and talked about actresses.
Our nation has acquired probably the most ardent supporters of LGBT. Laverne has traveled the country as a high-demand speaker promoting movements that go beyond gender expectations and trans rights.
In the midst of building on her success, Laverne Cox became the first transgender woman to ever be on the cover of TIME magazine Magazine. Then, recently on July 10, 2014 she once more made history in the world of entertainment when she became the first transgender actress to receive an Emmy nomination.
With her infectious individuality, her courage to take risks to change the face of society and her ugly pursuit of her goals, it is hard to find a reason not to love Laverne. Here are 10 facts you should know about this incredible modern icon:
1. He has a twin brother:
Laverne’s twin, a musician known to M. Lamar, appears on “Orange Is The New Black” playing her character, Sophia, in her pre-transition stage.
2. He knew he was transgender since elementary school:
Laverne knew she wasn’t meant to be a boy from a really young age. His 3rd grade teacher even called his mom, saying, “Your son will end up in New Orleans wearing a gown if you don’t get him to therapy soon.”
In his mind, he could not fathom the difference between girls and boys at that moment. Laverne remembers thinking he would naturally start turning into a girl once he hit puberty.
3. He was so embarrassed in highschool that he tried to end his life:
During 6th class, when puberty started, her attraction to men grew stronger than she could handle.
Throughout highschool she struggled with bullying, being banned from her church and feelings she did not understand at the time, even through therapy. Sadly, because she felt she had no other choice, Laverne attempted an overdose of pills.
4. She is the first trans African-American woman to appear on a reality competition show
In 2008 he appeared on VH1’s “I Want to Work for Diddy” reality TV competition show. Laverne said she appeared on the show to further her acting career, but also to prove she was as qualified as the other contestants.
5. She is the first African-American trans woman to produce and star in her own show
“I Want to Work for Diddy” motivated Laverne to produce and ultimately star in his own show, “TRANSform Me,” shows about make-up were also featured on VH1.
“TRANSform Me,” makes her feel truly part of a movement much bigger than herself, but she’s ready for whatever comes along the way.
6. He won’t ever give up on what he believes in; violate gender expectations:
Gender Expectations is among the most significant topics/debates for Laverne. He at all times promotes his interests, wherever he’s. The message focuses on “living is more authentic than conforming to predetermined gender roles.”
He emphasizes how narrow-minded it’s to assume stereotypical ideas of both sexes; do men must have a certain degree of masculine and tough, or do women must have a certain level of femininity and petite? Laverne believes it is about leaving these assumptions behind and experiencing the freedom to be honest with you.
7. He quit his restaurant job instead one year ago:
Awe, recognition and respect aren’t the nouns that Laverne experienced throughout her life. Turns out he only quit his restaurant “day job” a year before receiving an Emmy nomination. Are you as surprised by this as I’m? Just interesting.
8. He was one of TIME Magazine’s “Most Influential Fictional Characters” of 2013:
Let’s be a little more specific, Laverne made it to the TOP 5 of this phenomenal list. Her “Orange is the New Black”. the role of convict hairstylist Sophia Burset accepts fourth place in TIME Magazine attention-grabbing character list.
9. He stars in John Legend’s new video
Laverne appears briefly in Legend’s new music video for “You and I (Nobody in the World).” The video promotes an upbeat self-image rather than endlessly criticizing your appearance.
10. He is writing memoirs
She is currently writing her story for the world to read, highlighting her roots, her challenging journey through her transition and her fruitful arrival to self-fulfillment.
Laverne has only been in the entertainment world for a brief time but has made a big impact on our society. As time goes on and he continues his path of success, I can only imagine what other greatness will come his way.
By: Alessia D’Anna
