Laverne Cox: Caitlyn looks gorgeous, but…
Trans actress Laverne Cox has spoken about the need to move past discussing trans people’s appearance.
Comparing the her Time magazine cover with Jenner’s appearance on the cover of Vanity Fair this week, the Orange is the New Black Actress made the point that while complimenting Jenner’s appearance was valid, it was important to consider the wider lives of trans people.
In a blog post, Ms Cox said: “I am so moved by all the love and support Caitlyn is receiving. It feels like a new day, indeed, when a trans person can present her authentic self to the world for the first time and be celebrated for it so universally.
“Yes, Caitlyn looks amazing and is beautiful but what I think is most beautiful about her is her heart and soul, the ways she has allowed the world into her vulnerabilities.
“The love and devotion she has for her family and that they have for her. Her courage to move past denial into her truth so publicly. These things are beyond beautiful to me.
“A year ago when my Time magazine cover came out I saw posts from many trans folks saying that I am “drop dead gorgeous” and that that doesn’t represent most trans people. It was news to be that I am drop dead gorgeous but I’ll certainly take it.
“But what I think they meant is that in certain lighting, at certain angles I am able to embody certain cisnormative beauty standards.
“Many trans folks don’t want to embody [these standards] and we shouldn’t have to to be seen as ourselves and respected as ourselves.”
Ms Cox said she and Jenner had spoken previously, when Jenner had told her coming out: “is like another gold medal. This is better than a gold medal.”
