JoJo Whilden/FX (2); Sarah Shatz/FX; JoJo Whilden/FX

Ryan Murphy and FX made history when they put together the team behind Pose, the cable network's drama about New York's ballroom culture in the 1980s. The prolific creator employed an exceptional amount of LGBTQ talent both behind and in front of the camera, including five transgender women of color in series regular roles — an unprecedented number for a scripted show.

Mj Rodriguez — who shines bright as Pose's central character, the nurturing Blanca Rodriguez — tells The Hollywood Reporter why her role in the acclaimed series feels particularly meaningful.

"There's been such an influx of love because of Pose. A lot of kids tell me that Blanca reminds them of their own mothers. Or they tell me that their parents didn't accept them when they came out as gay or trans, and that watching this show helped their families come around," she says. "Those stories make my heart swell. I've always wanted to be a voice for my community and now that I have the opportunity, it's hard to explain just how amazing it feels."

Read on for more from the show's cast.