Patricia Arquette ‘blown away’ by late sister Alexis’ courage
Patricia Arquette has again paid tribute to her late sister Alexis, commending her bravery in coming out as trans.
Speaking to CNN’s Poppy Harlow, the Oscar winner paid tribute to Alexis, who died last year.
She said: “I’m really blown away by Alexis’s courage because to be a trans woman in America is a very dangerous thing.”
“It seems like every week we have a trans woman murdered, misgendered, especially trans women of color,” she continued.
“That’s something I’d really like to see changed. I’d like companies to start making sure that they hire trans people … you don’t see them often at the front of a business or as your realtor.”
Going on, Patricia said she thought Alexis helped to improve trans rights in the US, by living openly and raising awareness of trans issues, saying: “Alexis knew that she was kicking a door open. Alexis knew that that was gonna cost her greatly personally. So I mean, I can have conversations about equal pay, but I’ll never be as brave as that.”
Back in January, Patricia revealed she was still struggling to come to terms with the death of Alexis.
The Oscar-winning actress took to Twitter to say she had been dreaming of her sister and crying.
Alexis died in September from a heart attack and was 47-years-old.
The Boyhood star said: “Dreamt about Alexis. She was 20 wearing a sequins 50s dress. I started crying & said I come from the future I’m your sister I love U so much (sic).”
Responding to followers, the 48-year-old added she thought the dress she was wearing was Dior and that “she has the best clothes over there!”
Another follower said it was hard to lose a sibling to which she replied, “it’s really hard.”
Alexis who starred in films such as the Wedding Singer and Pulp Fiction had been battling HIV for around 29 years when she passed away.
Doctors confirmed it played a role in her death.
Following her death, her siblings; David, Richmond, Rosanna and Patricia released a statement praising her courage and strength.
“Her career was cut short, not by her passing, but by her decision to live her truth and her life as a transgender woman,” they said.
“She refused to play roles that were demeaning or stereotypical.
“She was a vanguard in the fight for understanding and acceptance for all trans people.”
