Laverne Cox on Self-Acceptance, #TransIsBeautiful, and Defining Beauty as a Trans Woman
Laverne Cox shares her personal journey, the significance of #TransIsBeautiful, and what true beauty and self-acceptance mean for the transgender community.
Laverne Cox on Self-Acceptance, #TransIsBeautiful, and the Evolution of Beauty
Laverne Cox stands as a trailblazer in entertainment and advocacy, renowned for her role in Orange Is the New Black and her unwavering commitment to transgender visibility. Backstage at the Desigual show during New York Fashion Week (NYFW), Cox opened up about the evolution of her style, the origins of her powerful #TransIsBeautiful movement, and the ongoing journey toward self-acceptance—both personally and as an advocate for the wider trans community.
Early Struggles with Style and Body Acceptance
Cox’s confident, sexy, and body-conscious style might seem effortless today, but her journey to fashion confidence was anything but simple. She recalls her teenage years experimenting with women’s and girls’ clothing for the first time, frequenting thrift stores and often ending up with clothes that didn’t fit:
- Lack of understanding of fit: Clothing from thrift stores often came in the wrong sizes, highlighting the trial-and-error process many teens face when learning to dress their bodies.
- Learning through experimentation: As Cox notes, being a teenager is the time to embrace a bit of messiness, to try and fail, and, ultimately, to learn through experience.
Her awareness of proportion, fit, and personal style evolved over time. A significant learning curve occurred when she participated in a VH1 makeover show in 2010, providing invaluable lessons in how to dress for her shape and instilling the confidence she carries today.
Understanding Proportion and Personal Evolution
For Cox, discovering what worked for her body came through multiple channels:
- Attentively studying photographs of herself to see firsthand which styles flattered her unique shape.
- Following fashion trends through magazines and social media to learn contemporary styling.
- Absorbing knowledge from books and makeover programs, especially those discussing how to accentuate strengths and minimize insecurities.
With time, Cox’s relationship with her body—and with fashion—shifted from confusion to celebration. She learned that confidence could come as much from knowledge and experimentation as from achieving a certain look.
The Birth of #TransIsBeautiful
#TransIsBeautiful has become an internet rallying cry, fostering confidence and pride among transgender individuals worldwide. But its inception was deeply personal for Cox. She describes a period marked by frequent and painful misgendering on the street, and the persistent harassment that came with being called a man or having her womanhood invalidated.
Initially, these encounters led Cox to question herself and her transition, feeling like she was somehow failing to achieve femininity. This sense of failure was accompanied by anxiety, vulnerability, and the constant need for self-protection—a reality for many trans people who experience public harassment and even violence.
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- In moments of confrontation, Cox prioritized personal safety above all.
- On rare occasions when she did speak up, she recalls the visceral fear and the realization that any interaction could become dangerous.
The turning point came as Cox began to recognize—and accept—that trans bodies often look “different,” and that this difference is not just acceptable, but beautiful. She realized the broader cultural norm: society didn’t celebrate trans beauty, original features, or differences; instead, it demanded conformity. Through conversations with other trans women, including many she found stunningly beautiful despite public misgendering, Cox saw the urgent need to celebrate those visible markers often coded as “other.”
From Self-Doubt to Empowerment: The Message of #TransIsBeautiful
Cox started using and promoting the hashtag as an act of empowerment—first for herself, then for others facing similar struggles. She explains:
- #TransIsBeautiful encourages embracing all unique aspects of gender presentation, not conforming to conventional notions of femininity or masculinity.
- The hashtag is as much for cisgender people as for trans people; everyone harbors insecurities about qualities that deviate from the norm.
- For some, it might mean embracing their own femininity or masculinity outside of traditional expectations.
In Cox’s words, the message is simple but profound: “Let’s tweet and Instagram #TransIsBeautiful as a way to celebrate all those things about us that make us uniquely who we are.”
Defining Womanhood and Living with Multiple Identities
When asked about the notion that being trans is “about feeling like you are a woman trapped inside a man’s body (or vice versa),” Cox pushes back against the idea that all trans people must define themselves this way. She emphasizes the diversity of experiences within the trans community and the importance of claiming one’s identity on one’s own terms.
Cox identifies first and foremost as a woman, but she also embraces the complexities of her existence:
- She is a black woman and an advocate—layers of identity that intersect and inform her worldview.
- Labels like “trans” are powerful not only as a means of identity but as a form of political and cultural visibility.
- She acknowledges the reality that being called “trans” doesn’t diminish her status as a woman but adds richness and depth to who she is.
Visibility, Representation, and Advocacy
Laverne Cox’s impact extends far beyond her individual journey. As the first transgender woman nominated for a Primetime Emmy in acting, the first on the cover of Time magazine, and a vocal advocate on covers and red carpets alike, she embodies both individual empowerment and collective representation.
By sharing her narrative:
- Cox helps others feel less isolated in their struggles with body image, presentation, and self-worth.
- She pushes mainstream culture to broaden its understanding of beauty and identity.
- Her advocacy continues on multiple fronts, including media representation, social justice, and daily visibility.
Key Takeaways from Laverne Cox’s Message at NYFW
- Style is a journey: The process of finding your look, voice, and confidence can take years and involves experimentation and mistakes.
- Trans visibility matters: Seeing diverse, authentic transgender people in media and at fashion events challenges stereotypes and fosters broader acceptance.
- Embracing what makes you unique: Whether cis or trans, the qualities that set you apart are a source of personal beauty and strength.
- Intersectionality counts: Cox’s openness about race, gender, and womanhood highlights the importance of considering every layer of identity in conversations about acceptance and representation.
Advice from Laverne Cox: On Acceptance, Fashion, and Resilience
- On self-acceptance: Allow yourself the freedom to explore, dream, and get things wrong. Growth comes from process, not perfection.
- On safety: Trust your instincts, prioritize your wellbeing, and never feel obligated to engage with those who threaten your safety or invalidate your identity.
- On visibility: Embrace the power of being seen, and remember the political impact of claiming space as your authentic self.
- On beauty standards: Champion new, inclusive definitions of beauty that honor diversity and self-expression.
- On advocacy: Use platforms large and small—including social media, lectures, and daily interactions—to create cultural change and empower others.
FAQs: Laverne Cox, Trans Identity, and Beauty
What is the meaning behind #TransIsBeautiful?
#TransIsBeautiful is a movement started by Laverne Cox to encourage transgender people, and everyone, to embrace the unique aspects of themselves that may not conform to mainstream conventional beauty standards.
How did Laverne Cox overcome self-doubt about her body and appearance?
Through years of experimentation, education, and learning what worked for her, Cox came to celebrate her own body and appearance—despite external criticism or misgendering—by understanding that beauty is defined by inclusiveness and authenticity.
Why is representation important for transgender individuals in media and fashion?
Representation not only challenges stereotypes but also provides crucial validation and visibility for those who rarely see themselves reflected positively. Cox’s work has helped shift the cultural narrative, proving that trans people deserve a seat at every table—from runways to red carpets to screens.
Is #TransIsBeautiful just for transgender people?
While #TransIsBeautiful centers the experiences of trans individuals, its message extends to everyone, inspiring people to honor what makes them unique, regardless of gender identity or societal expectations.
Table: Laverne Cox — Trailblazing Achievements and Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | First transgender person on the cover of Time magazine | Led global visibility for trans issues (“The Transgender Tipping Point”) |
| 2015 | Won Daytime Emmy as Executive Producer for Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word | First trans woman to win the Emmy, first trans documentary honored |
| 2018 | First transgender person on cover of Cosmopolitan magazine (South Africa edition) | Marked further mainstream inclusion and acceptance |
Further Reflections: Celebrating Progress While Recognizing Challenges
Despite Laverne Cox’s remarkable achievements, her personal account underscores the ongoing violence, discrimination, and misrepresentation faced by trans people in society. She highlights how mainstream fascination with surgical transition details can overshadow the critical need to focus on real, lived experiences—such as safety, employment, and the disproportionate challenges transgender people face.
- Laverne Cox’s public platform is used to spark nuanced discussions about intersectionality, violence, and the value of storytelling over superficial details.
- Her consistent advocacy spotlights the need for continued activism and solidarity—reminding us that acceptance and inclusion require both individual and systemic change.
Conclusion: Laverne Cox’s Vision for Authenticity and Beauty
Laverne Cox’s story is one of courage, vulnerability, and a radical redefinition of beauty. Through style, advocacy, and the #TransIsBeautiful message, she stands as a guiding light for those navigating identity in a world still learning to celebrate difference. Her journey teaches us that beauty is found not in adherence to others’ standards, but in the fearless embrace of every part of who we are.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/news/a46179/laverne-cox-interview-trans-is-beautiful-nyfw/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laverne_Cox
- https://bossip.com/1616152/laverne-cox-becomes-cosmopolitans-first-trans-covergirl/
- https://outleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Out-Leadership-Trans-Leadership-Summit-2025-V2.pdf
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/news/a38504/laverne-cox-transgender-speech-fashion-media-awards/
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