Laverne Cox screamed, cried and jumped up and down when she heard she was nominated for an Emmy Award, she says.
The Orange Is The New Black star celebrated a milestone earlier this year when she became the first transgender person to appear on the cover of Time magazine, and says she doesn’t think it’s possible to be happier than she was upon hearing about her Emmy nomination.
Cox, who’s been pursuing a career as an actress for many years, told New York Magazine that she is very aware of the significance of the nod: ‘I’m the first trans actress to be nominated for an Emmy — out trans actress, anyway. That feels like history. Even if I don’t win… Honestly, it doesn’t even matter if I win.’
‘This is such amazing validation after years of rejection, years of being told no, years of being told I could not have a career as an actress,’ she continued. ‘Here I am, nominated for an Emmy.’
Cox’s recognition is being celebrated by the entire LGBTQ community, with GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate saying that it will be massive encouragement for trans youths to be themselves and hopefully result in the creation of more trans characters on TV.
‘Today, countless transgender youth will hear the message that they can be who they are and still achieve their dreams – nothing is out of reach. Laverne’s success on a hit series is a clear indication that audiences are ready for more trans characters on television,’ she said in a statement.
Picture: Getty
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.