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Laverne Cox has made a name for herself as an outspoken transgender woman, among many other great things, and she’s coming to Texas. A leading light in the LGBT community, this Emmy Award-winning actress, producer and trans rights advocate is coming to Austin for a one-night-only special speaking experience at Paramount Theatre on Friday, January 22.
While she will be discussing her role on the hit TV series Orange is The New Black, Cox will also talk about her experienced as a trans woman of color, and how it has helped shape and — in some ways — define her like. Cox has a history of advocating for the LGBT community and has been lauded for her efforts to spread awareness and acceptance.
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In her career, Cox gained national notoriety with her time as a contestant on I Want to Work for Diddy, competing for a job working for Sean Combs (a.k.a. Diddy, P. Diddy, Puff Daddy and Puffy) during its first season. Ultimately, she didn’t land the gig with Diddy, getting eliminated about halfway through the season. Since then, Cox has move on to much bigger and better opportunities and became the first transgender person to produce and star in her own TV show, TRANSform Me. She has also appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine among other success.
Now, the Orange is the New Black star is bringing her empowering message of moving beyond gender roles and expectations to Austin. The Paramount and the Transgender Education Network of Texas also hosting a pre-show happy hour at The Iron Bear with themed trivia, food from Texas Chili Queens, and prizes including a chance to meet Laverne after the show! They’ve even brought on Austin’s own Daniel Webb (a.k.a. Toyota Lopez) to provide comedic relief prior to the show.
The happy hour is from 5-7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m., but you’ll want to arrive early to make sure you get a good parking spot.