The Trump campaign spent $215 million on anti-trans ads during the election, which created an 'us vs. them' narrative. These ads focused on trans people in sports, a topic that resonated with focus groups, and effectively dehumanized trans individuals. The Harris campaign's failure to address these ads contributed to their impact, as they stayed in people's minds and influenced public perception.
Meta's decision to stop monitoring hate speech, particularly targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, allows for the spread of harmful misinformation and dehumanization. This move aligns with conservative narratives that frame LGBTQ+ identities as mental illnesses, further normalizing discrimination and violence against the community.
Laverne Cox describes the current political climate as perilous, with a coordinated, well-funded campaign to dehumanize trans people. This has led to 26 states banning gender-affirming care for minors, 24 states banning trans people from sports, and bathroom bans. She emphasizes the need for re-humanization and framing trans rights as civil and human rights issues.
Laverne Cox would change the election of Ronald Reagan, as she believes his policies, including defunding education, the war on drugs, and the welfare queen narrative, laid the groundwork for many of the current issues in the U.S. She also highlights how Reagan's success pushed the Democratic Party further to the center, leading to neoliberal policies.
Laverne Cox advises parents to consider relocating to safer states if possible, and to utilize resources like the Campaign for Southern Equality, which offers scholarships and support for accessing gender-affirming care. She also suggests that if a child can 'go stealth' (pass as cisgender), it may be a safer option given the current climate.
Laverne Cox's new comedy series 'Clean Slate' focuses on the power of love and community. It tells the story of Desiree Slate, a trans woman who returns to her hometown in Alabama to reconnect with her estranged father. The show explores themes of family, healing, and generational differences, blending comedy with heartfelt moments.
Transgender kids and adults have become a political punching bag for conservatives — but Laverne Cox is stepping into the ring. Kara talks with the transgender activist, Emmy award-winning producer and four-time Emmy-nominated actor, known for her groundbreaking role as Sophia Bursette in Orange is The New Black, about the Trump campaign’s $200+ million spend on anti-trans ads during the election (and the Harris campaign’s lack of response); why Meta’s decision to no longer monitor hate speech could lead to more gender violence, and not just against trans kids; and how to stay resilient in the fight for civil and human rights (including packing a go bag).
Plus: Laverne and Kara bust myths in a speed round about gender-affirming care, which is being targeted by laws across the country, and talk about her upcoming Netflix comedy series Clean Slate .
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