Laverne Cox Actress/Trans Activist

Laverne Cox, actress, producer and transgender advocate currently appearing in the new Susan Seidelman (Desperately Seeking Susan) film MUSICAL CHAIRS talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™.  This must-see film is a unique blend of dance, drama, and romance starring newcomers Leah Pipes and E.J. Bonilla as a pair of unlikely lovers in contemporary New York who must face a number of challenges both separately and together before finding one another and themselves. Also appearing is Tony-winner Priscilla Lopez, Jaime Tirelli, Morgan Spector, Auti Angel, Jerome Preston Bates, Nelson R. Landrieu and Angelic Zambrana, We talked to Laverne about the film, the GLAAD National Campaign "I AM: Trans People Speak" co-sponsored by The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition that she is involved with and her spin on our LGBT civil rights. When asked what her personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Cox stated, “I think about this and I really think it’s about me being an American and me being a proud American. I love this country and I love what this country in theory stands for. I believe that all our citizens are equal and should be treated and seen equally under that law and we know that’s not quite how it is for LGBT folk specifically trans folks because I’m trans I take it kind of personally. I’m discriminated against when the laws don’t necessarily accommodate the reality of my life. So my commitment really is a commitment to American values and what this country should be about. The commitment to equality and I just know from my own personal experience so often I’ve been made to feel less than because I’m trans and I don’t think anyone should be made to feel less than because of who they are on a fundamental level. So I think a lot of my commitment comes out of these things.” Laverne Cox made television history when she became the first African American transgender woman to appear on a reality television program, VH1’s “I Wanna Work for Diddy” in 2008. Laverne is also the first African American transgender woman to produce and star in her own television show, VH1’s critically acclaimed “TRANSForm Me”. Laverne has garnered critical acclaim for her role in “Musical Chairs”. Keith Uhlich of “Time Out” wrote, “You leave remembering…Laverne Cox’s galvanizing mettle as a paraplegic transsexual who befriends Mia.” Laverne is currently in production in the upcoming Netflix original television prison series "Orange is the New Black" by the creator of "Weeds" Jenji Kohan premiering in 2013. Cox has appeared on NBC’s "Law and Order" and "Law and Order: SVU", as well as HBO’s "Bored to Death." Her other independent film credits include “Carla,” “36 Saints” and “The Exhibitionists.” She is also a regular contributor to Huffington Post. For More Info: lavernecox.com

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