Trailblazer seems like a small word when followed by the name, Laverne Cox. Actress, activist, Emmy Award Winning Producer, and glass ceiling shatterer, Cox lends her voice to #30Voices30Days.
Significantly, Cox’s groundbreaking role of Sophia Burset in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Orange is The New Black brought her to the attention of diverse audiences all over the world. This role lead to Laverne becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Primetime acting Emmy and made her the first Trans woman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream scripted television series. Of course, she was nominated three more times since then for her incredible work.
From there, Cox has gone on to be a part of such projects Charlie’s Angels (2019), Promising Young Woman, and Jolt. IMoreover, Cox utilized her activism and produced several television series and documentaries on transgender lives, These included Free CeCe!, and Disclosure, andLaverne Cox Presents: The T Word (2014) – for which, she won an Emmy for.
Having known each other for 20 years, Cox spoke candidly with founder and publisher, Derek Warburton, about being a part of #30Voices30Days.
Who is the true you?
The true me is searching, questioning, trying to grow, trying to be better. I’m constantly trying to surrender and not resist my higher power’s plan for me and take the next right action. Some days are better than others. Some days are excruciating. Growing pains are real and I have found necessary for me.
What is your passion?
Art and beauty are my passions. I see paintings and sculptures as art. But the art I’m most transfixed by now is operatic singing, vintage fashion, and interior design. Acting remains probably my number 1 passion but it’s also my job and doing it well always involves me ripping my guts out but with that preparation the freedom I find on set when the character can fully live through me is the most amazing thing in the world.
When do you feel the most authentic?
When I’m scared to tell the truth because of the consequences but I tell it anyway, to myself, to friends and loved ones and to the world.
Why is it important for YOUR voice to be heard?
It’s important because all of our voices are important l. There’s only 1 me. There’s only 1 you. All of our voices and stories matter.
Gurus Magazine presents #30Voices30Days is proudly benefitting GLAAD all month long – please donate here!
COVER CREDITS:
Photography: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Photo Assistant: Mariangela Quiroga-Cantillo
Styled By: Christina Pacelli
Hair: Kiyah Wright
Make-up: Deja Smith
Look: Vintage Mugler
Left side earrings and ear cuffs: Mugler
Bracelet: Rahaminov Diamond Jewelry
Right side earring: Dena Kemp
Ring (right): Dena Kemp
Rings (left): Fernando Jorge
