Crews 
If you watch the hit Netflix series ‘Orange Is The New Black’ then , you are already familiar with one of its breakout stars Laverne Cox. Many may also remember Cox as one of the contenders on the hit VH1 reality competition show ‘I Want To Work For Diddy’ where she competed for a spot as Diddy’s assistant a few years back. Laverne didn’t take the final spot there, but she has kept herself mighty busy with her new show, as well as spreading awareness on LGBT issues.
She is gracing the new issues of Vibe Vixen where she talks about life as a transgender woman in Hollywood, her worst bullying experiences, and where she sees her career going as well as her character on OITNB. Check out the snaps and some excerpts below.
How has the overnight success of Orange is the New Black changed your life?
My entire life is different. It’s been wild—people recognize me when I walk down the street, in bars and restaurants. It’s a good thing and I’m really excited. Right now I’m doing a college tour, speaking engagements, and the anti-bullying Spirits Day, which raises awareness against ending bullying against the LGBT community and different groups.
What can you tell us about your worst experience with bullying?
When I grew up in Alabama, I was called a sissy, a fag and kids basically wanted to beat me up every day. There was a time in middle school when some kids hit my brother and I with drumsticks and a parent from the school saw it. We knew we could never tell our mother because she would blame us and question why we weren’t fighting back, but the principal called her. It was really awful and painful.
How supportive was your twin brother through the transitioning process?
He’s amazing. It’s never been an issue for him. He loves me and wants me to be happy. He gets it. He’s a musician with a beautiful voice and an absolutely wonderful performer.
It’s obvious from the car ride here that you are a close knit cast. Was it like that from the beginning?
Yes. It’s a really great vibe on the set and I think it comes from the top. I’ve been on sets before where everyone had attitudes. Jenji isn’t having any of that. She and Lisa, our executive producer, set such a great tone. I’ve never seen a show with this many kinds of real women. This is revolutionary.
Does it make you hopeful for the future as a trans actress?
We knew this was different, because in our industry people only care about size zero white girls and straight white men. But our show’s popularity across the board is crazy. I’ve had all types of people from all walks of life come up to me and love the show, so I truly hope this begins to change the industry.
Who has your transition been the hardest on?
My mom had a weird adjustment period with it. A lot of it was just educating her. It took years to get her to use the right pronouns. Anytime there is surgery and hormones, it freaked her out a bit, but I wouldn’t say it was hard on her or anyone. Before I started the medications and surgical procedures, I didn’t have people in my life that would have a problem. For the people that know me, this wasn’t a weird thing. It wasn’t like this was out of the blue. They always knew who I was. I’m really the same person.
What are you watching on TV when you have the time?
I love Scandal. There’s actually a group on Twitter who are fans of OITNB and Scandal that call themselves Orange Gladiators. I live for that! Our fans are incredible, hardcore and amazing. I also live for Breaking Bad, Real Time with Bill Maher, and Fashion Police. I kind of watch a lot [laughs].
Peep the full interview HERE
