Laverne Cox News 2015: 'Orange Is the New Black' Star On Why She's Sick Of The 'Surgery Narrative'
Orange Is the New Black actress Laverne Cox recently sat down with The New York Times to discuss a variety of topics, especially transgender issues.
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Cox, who is one of the most recognizable transgender women in the world, spoke at Times Talk this week. She talked about the writers room of Orange Is the New Black as well as why she is sick of a certain narrative in trans storytelling.
The actress said that auditioning for Orange Is the New Black, where she plays Sophia Burset, was the "easiest audition of [her] career." And while the show is very open with sexuality and gender issues, one thing that isn't open is the writers room.
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"Jenji [Kohan, showrunner] said 'That's not gonna happen,'" Cox admitted, of being allowed in the room. But she noted that Kohan has a "strong vision" so she knows she's in good hands.
Speaking about the issues trans people face every day, Cox discussed problems that go beyond just the transition process.
"If you're a trans person without a high school diploma, what are your life choices?" she asked.
Before nabbing her life-changing role in Orange Is the New Black, Cox really struggled to pay her rent, explaining how she often had to go to the streets.
The actress insisted that there is more to a trans person's story than their surgery, and how they adjust to their rightful identity.
"The surgery narrative, the transition narrative - I'm really, really over it," she said. "People don't that think our lives exist after we transition." So Cox tries to "navigate those questions and also try to take us to the next level."
But Cox stressed the importance of empathy, even for those who disagree with her life choices.
Orange Is the New Black is currently available to stream on Netflix.
