Laverne Cox opens up about how difficult it was to get acting roles as a black, trans woman
Laverne Cox has opened up about how difficult she found it to break into the entertainment industry as a black, trans woman.
The Orange is the New Black star recounted how she would barely get auditions before she worked on the Netflix special that launched her to fame.
Talking at a Q&A at Macy’s Herald Square In New York City, she said that there were fewer opportunities awarded to her because of her gender and race.
“Two years ago … I was in the waiting room with actresses who were like, ‘Oh my God, this is my fourth audition today.
(Photo by Tara Ziemba/Getty Images)
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“And I was like, ‘Oh, I’ve never auditioned that much’.
“There have never been that many parts as a Black, openly transgender woman. Because I am who I am, there probably have been fewer opportunities for me to work,” she said.
She went on to explain that despite the fact that she had less of a chance than some actors, she did not ever regret being who she is.
“Certainly there are fewer opportunities for someone like me being Black and being trans and being a woman. In the face of that, it’s not bad.
“The truth is I’m one of the lucky ones. The question for me becomes … as I produce, how to bring other people along for the ride.”
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The star was talking at a Black History Month event.
She added that she didn’t think the celebration of Black history should be limited to one month.
“For me, it’s Black History Month every month, to be real. And for me, Black history is American history.
“Yes it’s been challenging for me being a Black trans woman doing my thing, but when I think about that, I’m thinking it’s not as hard as how they had it,” she continued.
