Emmy-nominated actor Laverne Cox has revealed an estimated 90% loss of her income over the past two years, directly attributing the decline to a hostile political environment in the United States and what she describes as attacks on transgender rights. Cox, who achieved global recognition for her role in Netflix's hit series Orange is the New Black, explained that opportunities for public speaking and brand ambassadorships, which supplemented her acting income, have largely dried up.
Speaking to The Guardian, Cox detailed how the current political 'regime' has threatened to defund colleges and universities perceived as promoting 'gender ideology' or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This climate has even impacted potential teaching roles, with Cox stating that even a graduate acting class could be 'perceived as promoting trans ideology', leading to cancelled engagements. Her comments underscore the far-reaching implications of political discourse on the livelihoods of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
Cox, who also featured in Emerald Fennell’s BAFTA-winning film Promising Young Woman and the Netflix series Inventing Anna, emphasised that while she feels 'blessed', her experience serves as a stark warning. She questioned the plight of other trans individuals who lack her platform and privilege if someone of her stature is facing such significant financial setbacks. This highlights the 'material consequences' of discrimination and 'scapegoating' for the transgender community.
The actor's comments come amidst a backdrop of ongoing political actions in the US targeting transgender and non-binary people, including attempts to reintroduce a ban on trans military service, which recently faced a legal setback. Public discourse around LGBTQ+ issues in the US also appears to be shifting, with a recent poll indicating a decrease in the proportion of Americans who view changing one's gender as morally acceptable since 2021.
Cox, who was 40 when she secured her breakthrough role in Orange is the New Black, reflected on her journey in a recent interview with Attitude magazine, noting her continuous efforts to uplift her community. Her impactful appearance on the 2014 Time magazine cover, famously titled 'The Transgender Tipping Point', marked a significant moment in increasing trans visibility. Her new book, Transcendent: A Memoir, is scheduled for publication in the UK by Merky Books on 25 June.
Orange is the New Black is available to stream in the UK on Netflix.
Source: The Guardian, Attitude magazine