In a new interview, the former 'Orange Is the New Black' star talks about what needs to be done for transgenders to be accepted in the society amid discussion regarding planned discriminatory anti-trans laws.
- Jun 8, 2021
AceShowbiz - Laverne Cox is weighing on the planned discriminatory anti-trans laws. In a new interview, the former "Orange Is the New Black" star talked about what needs to be done for transgenders to be accepted in the society.
"I think the main issue is about our humanity being respected," the 49-year-old star told HollywoodLife.com. "Once we can accept that trans people are who we say we are and that our humanity should be respected, then I think all of the policies that we see being passed in my country, in the United States, that are affecting trans youth, we won't pass laws like that anymore."
The actress went on to say, "We won't think it's OK to fire someone from their jobs, or to evict them from housing or deny them a job just because of being trans. So, I think it's about acknowledging our humanity and that we are who we say we are."
Laverne's remarks arrive as Alabama and Florida are planning to follow in Arkansas' footsteps by banning minors from receiving gender-affirming medical treatment. In addition, transgender youth receives discriminatory treatment in school as well as on the sports field.
Back in June, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis raged people by signing a bill that would ban trans female athletes from competing on girls' and women's teams. Caitlyn Jenner, who is also a transgender and former athlete, agreed with the bill, noting that it won't be fair to have "biological boys" who are trans competing on "girls' sports" teams.
"This is a question of fairness. That's why I oppose biological boys who are trans competing in girls' sports in school," Caitlyn, who is vying for California's governorship, told TMZ. "It just isn't fair. And we have to protect girls' sports in our schools."
As for Laverne, she opened up about being "bullied and shamed" as a child for acting "like a girl" despite being "assigned male at birth." In a series of tweets back in 2017, the actress wrote, "I was talking to my twin brother today about whether he believes I had male privilege growing up. I was a very feminine child though I was."
"Assigned male at birth. My gender was constantly policed. I was told I acted like a girl and was bullied and shamed for that. My femininity did not make me feel privileged," she continued.
