This week, Laverne Cox landed the latest cover of Entertainment Weekly, which has dubbed her “the most famous transgender actress in America.” But despite the fame and accolades, Cox ruminates on the downside of having to be a public figure and the face of an entire community.
While talking about her fame in the magazine, Cox discusses being the face of the trans community and always having to discuss being trans and she asks, “I just wonder, am I allowed to be a human being?”
Cox is then asked about her thoughts on Caitlyn Jenner’s public transition from a man to woman, which has placed the athlete-turned-reality TV star into the highest echelon of celebrity, but also left her under a high level of scrutiny under the public eye.
Although Cox is happy for Jenner, she explains that she doesn’t envy having to transition in front of the entire world.
“This is why I’m so grateful that I had the luxury of transitioning in private,” she says. “Because when you transition in the public eye, the transition becomes the story. I’m always disturbed when I see conversations about trans people that focus on surgery. But I believe Caitlyn will transcend this moment.”
We don’t blame Cox for wanting to enjoy some privacy and simple humanity in her life, but we are glad she’s doing such an amazing job as a trans icon.
