Today, Entertainment Weekly released their first LGBT issue in 15 years, featuring actress Laverne Cox on the cover.
In an interview, Cox speaks about the changing perspectives on gender identity and the transgender community in the United States, and also talks about her personal experiences as a part of this change, such as her becoming a spokeswoman for transgender issues worldwide.
Cox told EW she’s grateful for her fame and her platform but said, “I just wonder, am I allowed to be a human being?”
In her interview with EW, she also talked about the media frenzy around Jenner’s transition, about which Cox wrote a thoughtful response on Tumblr, reminding people that Jenner should be praised for her courage, not her looks. “This is why I’m so grateful that I had the luxury of transitioning in private,” she says. “Because when you transition in the public eye, the transition becomes the story. I’m always disturbed when I see conversations about trans people that focus on surgery. But I believe Caitlyn will transcend this moment.”
Read more on Entertainment Weekly.
Laverne Cox is not only allowed to be a human being, she must demand her equal rights are honored by the government where appropriate.