Laverne is a Nice Person BUT

This message has been deleted by the poster

I disagree

She's in a critically acclaimed TV series. That should be enough.

Apparently her career was helped by Glaad, who liked her reality show . Glaad is the most petty organization and hasn't done a thing for true transgender victims of defamation like Bralalalala who was libeled by the Amazing Spider Man, Iron Man, Django Unchained supervising art director making ridiculous websites about her. Glaad was also nowhere to be found when Bra appeared on an ABC program, way before Cox was ever known, told she couldn't have a career because she is transgender . It's sad to see the political motivations that get so much attention to people who aren't even involved in anything interesting.
Was Glaad's grande claim about Laverne even correct? Laverne made history because she was the first African American transgender woman on an American reality show? I doubt that's even true, as I'm sure plenty of black trans women have been tossed onto Jerry Springer like abuse the tranny shows...where was Glaad then? I suppose Laverne might have been the first African American to not be harassed on a reality show? So she made history? History will be made when trans women are judged by their talent. It's ironic that Glaad comes to the defense of the first not defamed trans woman! I didn't realize that was their time to act. Glaad should know that the greatest talents, where they can be found at all, are often the ones being harassed the most.

I agree with your statement. I find Laverne to be a very humble and articulate individual who has her game face on when being interviewed by the media. I do however feel she's being overpraised by the media, when there were people before her trying to find their way in the industry that have been severely overlooked. I have noticed that she gives her thanks to those that have paved the way for her.

It seems to me that she's the token Trans individual at this moment. She had very little screen time in the first season of Orange is the New Black and was very underutilized this past season; which surprised me considering all of this extreme recognition she's been receiving, like her TIME magazine cover. I'm proud of her accomplishments, but I can't help but to think that she has a good team behind her that is making all of this happen.

I mean, she was nominated for an Emmy. Really? I can't help but think this was just to make headlines so that the organization is made to look as if they are finally recognizing a Trans actress, and to make it seem like "history is being made" or whatever. Was she that great of an actress of was it just the subject matter that made her be considered for the Emmy nod? Most seem to overlook her acting and just focus on the novelty of her being Trans, and therefore, people can care less if she really IS a decent actress or not. It's almost as if anyone is afraid to criticize her without coming off as Transphobic and receiving media backlash.

Now when other Trans people in entertainment emerge, they won't be deemed as "special" since they weren't the FIRST to be rewarded all of these honors that Laverne was rewarded with. I can't with the "FIRST" this and the "FIRST" that. Isis was also the first Transgender contestant on Top Model back in 2008 when Laverne was on I Wanna Work For Diddy. That was also the same year Calpernia Addams had her own dating reality show on VH1 and Candis Cayne was the first Trans actress to appear on a Primetime network show, Dirty Sexy Money.

This isn't a personal attack against Laverne, as I think it's wonderful that she has accomplished what she set out to do. However, I don't like seeing others being swept under the rug when they deserved their moment, too.

Yes too much of this push with Laverne is being made to make the industry "look" tolerant when it really still isn't. Real tolerance levels can be illustrated more by the industry abuse Bralalalala has endured after being nominated for best national act, and more recently, the trial with the movie director, and how no one took notice of the wrong. That may change, but sheesh... This is extreme intolerance ... It isn't even close to tolerance..let alone admiration ...
So, when Laverne is the "first," that's just another way of people saying they are startled and haven't seen a transgender woman before . It really doesn't have anything to do with any talent evaluation of a particular show or art of an entertainer who happens to be trans. I don't know if Laverne wants to be admired just for being transgender, or whether she takes acting seriously and would prefer to have her talents discussed. I know Ms. Bralalalala would prefer more discussions about her music, and less about her gender .

I doubt it's a coincidence Laverne played a criminal in orange is the new black since that's probably the only type of show bigots can think to put a trans in.

I actually think she did a terrific job as "Orange is the New Black."

Elegant Sophia is one of the best characters. Elegant and glamorous on the outside, but sad and hurting on the inside.
She pretends to be strong and steadfast, but is she really?

This character is captivating.

Watch the show before you judge it.