Laverne Cox and Caitlyn Jenner may be two of the most famous transgender celebrities at the moment, but their stories aren't the same. Cox, who recently met up with Jenner, was quick to make that point during her appearance on last night's Late Late Show with James Corden.
When Corden brought up Jenner citing her as a trailblazer during her ESPY Awards speech, the Orange is the New Black star responded that she felt "way too young to be a trailblazer."
"What I think is so beautiful about this — my visibility and Caitlyn's visibility — is that diverse representations of trans people in the media, I think, are so important," she added. "When I think about transitioning in my 20s as a black trans woman who was working-class and struggling to make it in New York City, it’s completely different than Caitlyn’s very public experience."
Fair point. It's a much needed reminder that every trans experience is different. Jenner had privilege, but also the pressure of the public eye. Cox was unknown, but gained fame as she adjusted to her new life. No single story is more valid. These women are allies, but they're also individuals. Let's bear that in mind.
OPENER IMAGE: Everett Collection/REX USA.