Laverne Cox has declared that no television series has been as diverse as Orange Is the New Black, seven years after the Netflix show concluded. The 54-year-old actress, who played Sophia Burset in the comedy-drama set in a women's prison, reflected on the show's groundbreaking legacy in an interview with Metro.
Groundbreaking Diversity and Representation
Orange Is the New Black debuted on Netflix in 2013 and became one of the first major streaming shows to transform the TV landscape. Its majority-female cast showcased a wide range of women in terms of age, race, and body type, and it was widely praised for its LGBTQ+ representation and exploration of the US prison system. Cox noted, "Since then, we haven't had a show as diverse as Orange in terms of the representation of different kinds of women, ages, races, body types."
Personal Impact and Milestones
The role of Sophia Burset propelled Cox to international fame, making her one of the most recognizable trans actresses in the industry. She became the first openly trans woman to appear on the cover of TIME magazine and to be nominated for an Emmy in an acting category. "Everything that's happened in my life is because of that show," Cox said. "It's a beautiful thing to have been a part of something that has that impact."
Legacy and Hope for Trans People
Cox emphasized the hope the show gave to trans people worldwide. "When I was on the cover of TIME magazine, one trans woman was like: 'Did we overcome?,'" she recalled. She also highlighted that her success was not a one-off, noting that Michaela Jaé Rodriguez won a Golden Globe in 2022 for her role in Pose. "[The show] created space for other trans people to come after and be on magazine covers and be nominated for Emmys, win a Golden Globe," Cox said.
Trans Rights Under Threat
Despite progress, Cox acknowledged that trans rights are under increasing threat from political forces and high-profile figures. However, she remains optimistic, stating, "Once you see that you're possible, you can't unsee it. We're not going anywhere as trans people." She stressed the importance of humanizing trans characters, saying that Sophia Burset was portrayed as a "multi-dimensional human being," which is "crucial as we go forward."
New Projects and Memoir
Cox is currently promoting her new movie Animal Farm and her memoir Transcendent, which she described as "insanely vulnerable." The film is now in UK and Ireland cinemas, and the memoir is available for purchase.
