Laverne Cox is reflecting on the significant impact of "Orange Is the New Black" on transgender narratives in television and society. Cox, who rose to prominence for her role as Sophia Burset in the hit Netflix series, acknowledges the show's role in changing the narrative around trans people.
Cox made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. She expressed immense pride in "Orange Is the New Black," stating she had never seen anything like it on TV before. Cox felt a sense of "bliss" telling Sophia's story. She recognized the opportunity the show presented to change the narrative surrounding transgender people and pave the way for a more mainstream career than any trans person had previously experienced.
In "Orange Is the New Black," Cox's character, Sophia Burset, grapples with transphobia among fellow inmates, ultimately leading to a hate crime and Sophia being placed in solitary confinement. Cox, also a transgender activist, found the storyline deeply personal and admitted to being in tears when reading the episode where Sophia is attacked. She connected the violence depicted in the show to the real-life violence faced by transgender people and the collective trauma of the trans community.
Cox recognized that "Orange Is the New Black" provided a platform to connect with people on a human level, fostering empathy and understanding. She noted instances where cisgender individuals expressed that they had never considered connecting with a transgender person before, but Sophia's character allowed them to connect and feel empathy.
Despite the progress, Cox acknowledges the limitations she has faced as a Black, openly transgender woman in Hollywood. She believes her profile has led to fewer opportunities, but remains determined to use her platform to advocate for better representation of marginalized groups. Cox is focused on producing projects that bring other people along and create more opportunities for diverse talent.
"Orange Is the New Black" broke barriers by featuring a transgender actor playing a transgender character in a leading role. Cox's role as Sophia allowed viewers to connect with a transgender character and feel empathy. Cox observed that the show created awareness of the struggles faced by the trans community.
