“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” has a reputation for tackling issues head-on in its episodes. This week’s show sounds off concerning the ongoing national conversation surrounding transgender people. In this episode, school kids encounter a transgender child and the situation escalates into violence with tragic results. Adrienne C. Moore portrays the mother of a son accused of a hate crime. The actress explained how the subject matter resonated with her and why she thinks these stories are timely.
“Just looking at the transgender conversation that’s going on right now, we have a lot of kids who identify that way but we still live in a society that doesn’t totally accept it. One of my good friends, Laverne Cox, is an advocate for this fight. We really need to talk about these kids needing a voice and an outlet to be their authentic self. It’s about who you are and how comfortable you are being that person and unfortunately, right now we still live in a society that doesn’t accept transgender people. These kids are being bullied and want to be speak out about their ‘soul identity’–as I’m learning to call it–but unfortunately, they can’t.”
There are those who would dismiss transgender issues in television as “trendy” for 2015, but the issue merits dialogue. The rash of murders against transgender women in the black community, in particular, speaks to the need for an ongoing conversation and raised awareness.
“It’s so relevant today to be able to use my voice and my artistry and be a catalyst for that conversation,” Moore explains. “It’s truly an honor and something that I hope to continue throughout my career. Not just choosing something for the paycheck but to be an advocate and a voice for a community of people who wouldn’t normally have that chance to speak.”
Moore shines as “Black Cindy” in the popular Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” and since her breakthrough on the show, she’s enjoyed understandably heightened visibility. Landing such a significant role on an episode of a show like “Law & Order” was a longtime ambition of Moore’s. But in addition to that, she’s basking in everything that’s been presented to her in the last couple of years.
“Visibility and my day-to-day have changed, but I welcome it all. I don’t shun any of it,” she explains. “I’m so grateful that people are supportive of the opportunities I’ve been given. ‘Law & Order’ is a dream come true. I grew up watching it! I always wanted to portray a character on the show because it’s always so riveting. And I love that it’s topical. I’ve always wanted to be a part of something that not only entertains, but educates. It makes you think about what’s going on around you.”
