Laverne Cox Gives Powerful Speech Against Trump Agenda at SCAD TVfest: ‘They Are Committed to Eradicating Trans People from Public Life’

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On Friday evening, Laverne Cox moved the crowd at SCAD TVfest with a passionate and emotional speech, addressing the attacks on trans rights, civil rights, and deregulation under the new Trump administration. Receiving SCAD’s Impact Award before showcasing two episodes of her upcoming Amazon Prime Video series “Clean Slate,” Cox issued a call to action while acknowledging the sobering reality that our current situation might be beyond salvation.

She stated that the current system benefits large corporations, wealthy elites, and powerful individuals. She suggested it may be crucial now for us not only as transgender individuals but also as workers, people of color, those with reproductive capabilities, and others in similar situations to stand up. This includes those seeking a divorce without blame, among many other groups.”

This version maintains the original’s meaning while using more straightforward language and organizing the list of groups in a way that is easier to follow.

Cox pointed out that Trump’s campaign seemed to promote white supremacist ideals. She explained, “The Project 2025 blueprint is essentially a Christian nationalist manifesto if you examine it closely. This brand of Christian nationalism is rooted in white Christianity. It envisions a society where men are the undisputed leaders, following God, and women play submissive roles. Women would be barred from divorce, abortion, and even in cases like ectopic pregnancy, abortion would not be an option. This is the America they aspire to create. Furthermore, this vision involves dismantling government regulations at an unprecedented pace, paving the way for corporations to operate freely and amass vast wealth.

However, Cox reserved her most poignant segment of her speech to address the current predicament facing transgender individuals, especially trans youth, nationwide. “They openly aim to eliminate transgender people from public view,” Cox stated. This has been evident in their actions, she added. This is not a diversionary tactic; it’s part of their larger plan… When states enact laws that penalize or stigmatize transgender individuals, it encourages the public to follow suit, resulting in acts of violence against transgender people. Incidents of violence against trans youth have drastically increased in states with policies discriminating against transgender individuals. When the state tolerates discrimination against us, it empowers citizens to commit violence against us, and this has been devastating for years, especially for transgender youth.

Titled “Clean Slate,” this series produced by Sony Pictures TV and Act III Prods. (under Brent Miller’s leadership), revolves around Henry (played by George Wallace), a car wash owner, whose estranged child returns to Alabama after an absence of 17 years. However, Henry is faced with introspection as he learns that his adult child, who has returned, is actually a trans woman named Desiree (portrayed by Cox). This eight-episode series made its debut on Prime Video on February 6.

The closing event for this year’s SCAD TVfest was the debut of “Clean Slate,” which took place from February 5th to 7th at the school’s Atlanta campus. Below is the complete text of Cox’s speech:

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a sense of immense pride when reflecting on the small recognition I’ve received throughout my journey. An Impact Award, an Emmy nomination, even two SAG awards, and countless magazine covers, including British Vogue not once, but twice – these are moments that fill me with joy.

These accolades have served as beacons of hope and inspiration for numerous individuals, and I am proud to have played a role in this. For those who may not personally know a trans person, these awards have provided valuable perspectives, fostering understanding and acceptance.

However, these accolades haven’t altered the tangible circumstances of the majority of trans individuals within this nation and globally. The truth is, many trans people in this country live in poverty and belong to the working class. Regrettably, over the past few years, trans youth in this country have been compelled to escape states that enacted laws prohibiting gender-affirming care, and these same laws could penalize parents who support their transgender children. Consequently, families have been relocating from such states for several years, primarily from southern regions.

This prestigious recognition doesn’t alter the fact that as we speak, there are trans individuals who’ve applied for passports, yet they’re still waiting for their applications to be processed – only to find out that they won’t be granted a change in their gender marker. Similarly, it doesn’t change the situation in Florida where, for over a year now, people have been unable to update their gender markers on their state IDs.

Such legislation that penalizes and marginalizes transgender individuals often encourages the general public to behave similarly, leading to an increase in violent acts against them. Tragically, instances of violence against transgender youngsters have surged in areas where discriminatory laws targeting trans people are enacted. It’s devastating when societies endorse discrimination towards us, as it empowers citizens to act violently towards us. This heartache has been felt by the transgender community, especially young ones, for quite some time.

In many of the 26 U.S. states offering gender-affirming healthcare to minors, doctors may face criminal charges for providing such care. However, a recent executive order signed by the current U.S. president aims to prohibit this type of care nationwide. It’s worth noting that around 14 or 15 states have declared they will not comply with this ban as it conflicts with their laws.

A significant portion of what’s unfolding under this turbulent new leadership is clearly against the law. If you take a look at Project 2025, it all becomes less shocking. It falls upon our elected officials and the exceptional organizations that are taking legal action against them to contest their actions and resist them at every turn.

As a movie buff, I’d rephrase it like this: “The deck seems stacked against us, and it might be too late for change. The system favors corporations, the wealthy, and the powerful, leaving little room for us – trans folks, working people, people of color, those with reproductive rights, and many others who’ve been marginalized. It’s a tough fight, but we must keep pushing.

The Project 2025 blueprint appears to be a Christian nationalist plan, as can be inferred from its content. For the Heritage Foundation, their interpretation of Christian nationalism leans towards white Christian nationalism. This form of Christianity positions men, or the patriarch, as the head of the household, second only to God, with women expected to be subordinate. In this context, women may not seek divorce, have an abortion, or even those with ectopic pregnancies would not be able to terminate their pregnancy.

This depicts the America some desire: it involves swiftly dismantling regulations, leading towards a future where everything could be completely deregulated, allowing corporations unfettered control and maximization of profits. This vision also includes expanding tax breaks for billionaires, escalating healthcare costs, and making it difficult for people to afford housing, groceries, or even rent. Essentially, this administration appears to prioritize the wealthy and corporations over everyday working people across the nation.

What frustrates me about the Democratic party and many liberals/leftists is our inability to unite despite our differences to resist this. The troubling aspect is that there’s often unwillingness among presidential candidates, including Democrats of color, to address our racial past truthfully during campaigns. This reluctance stems from the discomfort many white people feel when discussing racism and their desire to avoid feelings of guilt. As a result, talking about racism becomes taboo and avoided.

For the entire duration of U.S. history, we’ve generally shied away from discussing racism. However, it is important to acknowledge that racism exists, and this particular President campaigned on a platform that appeared to be overtly white supremacist. If we fail to address race in a situation where a white supremacist ideology is being promoted, many people might find themselves puzzled or confused. If there seems to be no genuine concern for the working class, this too can lead to bewilderment among many. Furthermore, if you neglect to unite with transgender individuals during your efforts to form coalitions of working-class people, some may question your commitment to inclusivity and fairness.

Kamala Harris, whom many admire, failed to address transgender individuals during her speech. The GOP made it seem like she did, but this wasn’t the case. It’s crucial for us not to overlook anyone in our community. To build trust and unity among ourselves, we must be truthful about our nation’s past and present. Transgender people won’t align with those who question their existence or consider their concerns as mere distractions.

Reading Project 2025 or observing the state-level actions of Republicans over the past five years makes it clear that their efforts against transgender individuals are not a diversion or sidestep. Instead, they have openly declared their intention to remove trans people from public life. This is deeply embedded in their policies and practices. Labeling this as a distraction is essentially an attempt to avoid addressing a sensitive issue, rather than taking a stance for the most vulnerable groups, demonstrating values, and actively advocating for something.

It’s crucial that progressives and Democrats take control of our own narratives instead of just reacting to the conservative agenda. For too long, they have been steering the conversation, while we have been following along. It’s time for us to define our own agendas, focusing on issues that matter most to working people and human rights. If we don’t take charge, things might not turn out well for us.

If we’ve found ourselves in a difficult situation (perhaps even a dire one), it seems unavoidable at this point. Yet, the question that arises from this predicament – “What now?” – is intriguing to me. The answer lies in unity, in our shared story as members of the LGBTQI+ community and people of color. It’s about mutual support, about forming bonds that transcend traditional family structures, about pooling resources together. This ‘then what’ represents a chance for us to create something lasting, to leave behind a legacy that speaks volumes about resilience and solidarity.

It’s worth noting that trans individuals have been receiving gender-affirming care since it became available. Years ago, Susan Stryker, a renowned historian of the trans community, shared with me an interview she conducted with Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. If you’re not familiar with her, it might be time to educate yourself. Miss Major hails from Chicago. In 1955, when she was just 15 and working as a sex worker on the streets of Chicago, she had access to hormones. That was in 1955. This shows that even in 1955, Black trans sex workers were able to obtain feminizing hormones.

Over the years, trans individuals have obtained gender-affirming care through illicit channels or hidden networks, sometimes risky and fraught with complications. Despite these challenges, they’ve consistently asserted their identities and refused to be dictated by any authority. They’ve gone as far as forging documents like birth certificates and IDs when necessary. Now, we aim to have our blood work done in a legitimate medical setting, but we’ve always found ways to express ourselves authentically and help each other along the way.

It’s clearly terrifying to see trans people being criminalized. Yet, I find solace in reflecting on my ancestry and trans-ancestors, and my history as a Black American. I think about the inherent resilience within us to combat this adversity individually. Given the magnitude of what’s happening now, systemic change is required, but there seems to be a lack of political will or brave leaders to bring it about. However, each one of us can make a difference in our own lives and those around us. We can engage with our communities, offering support wherever possible. Organizations like Campaign for Southern Equality are playing a crucial role, helping people relocate. In extreme cases, we might need to seek refuge in other countries. Therefore, these changes are taking place.

Instead of viewing our challenging situation as a cause for despair, let’s seize it as an opportunity to show more love towards each other. Let’s embrace the aspects that make us uniquely human. Let’s strive to reconnect with one another on a deeper level, even when we may disagree or have different beliefs. This includes those who support leaders we may not agree with. It’s crucial to remember that despite our differences, we are all humans. As an artist, I find great joy in sharing human stories and serving as a conduit for empathy. With ‘Clean Slate’, I am excited to share the tale of a transgender woman and her family, navigating life and striving for happiness. This story is about love, family, and the human experience. I would like to express my gratitude to Amazon and Sony for their collaboration in making this project a reality. It’s significant for a studio to back a project like this at any point in history, but especially now…

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for all of you. These are challenging times for LGBTQ+ individuals, and we need the support of our allies more than ever. If you stand with us, now is the time to demonstrate your commitment in a tangible way, by supporting us materially as well as emotionally. It’s crucial that we come together across our differences to show solidarity, because it’s not just trans people who are under attack – they’re coming for all of us. I also want to extend my thoughts to marginalized groups such as undocumented individuals, people who are incarcerated, and those with disabilities.

To put it simply, we need to love one another in a way that goes beyond words. Brene Brown defines love as the connection that grows between two people when they allow themselves to be deeply seen and known, and when they offer trust, respect, kindness, and affection. Love is something we cultivate, not something we give or receive. As Brown says, “Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and withholding affection damage the roots from which love grows.” In order for us to love others, we must first love ourselves. Let’s acknowledge any wounds that may have been inflicted upon our relationships, heal them, and move forward with love and respect for one another.

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2025-02-08 05:48