Laverne Cox


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Biography

Laverne Cox (1972-)

Laverne Cox (born May 29, 1972) is an Emmy-winning actress and LGBTQ+ advocate. She is best known for her role as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black. She is the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in acting. 

Cox was born in Mobile, Alabama. She was raised by her single mother. From an early age, she faced bullying for not conforming to gender norms. She found love in dancing and performing. She received a dance scholarship at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. She then studied acting at Indiana University and Marymount Manhattan College. 

Cox’s breakout performance was Orange Is the New Black, where her portrayal of Sophia Burset brought transgender representation to mainstream television. Beyond acting, she has used her platform to advocate for transgender rights. She became the first transgender person to appear on the cover of Time magazine in 2014. She has also produced documentaries such as Disclosure (2020), which examines Hollywood’s portrayal of transgender people. 

Cox is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She speaks openly about issues affecting the transgender community, including discrimination, healthcare, and visibility. She has received numerous recognitions including an Emmy Award. 

Cox continues to be a powerful voice for equality, representation, and inclusion. She will continue to use her influence to challenge stereotypes and create opportunities for future generations. 

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laverne_Cox

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/laverne-cox

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