Laverne Cox Should Be on Time 100 List

Transgender Law Center is saddened and confused by Time Magazine’s decision to exclude actress Laverne Cox from its annual list of the 100 Most Influential People. Despite garnering more votes than the majority of those on the list, placing fifth in the online voting, Laverne was excluded without explanation. We know that Laverne is incredibly influential. With great poise and an unwaveringly compassionate spirit, she has used her platform as an actress to introduce the public to the real lives of transgender people. Laverne has significantly contributed to the dramatic shift in the level and tone of media coverage about the issues that impact transgender people and our families. We contend that history will show Laverne to be a luminary who helped set the stage for a society where all people, including transgender people, are able to live free from discrimination.