Leave it to the arts, once again, to lead the way to progress. History is in the making: Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox is about to become Madame Tussauds? first transgender woman wax figure.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the choice for Cox as the next figure to be created for Tussauds? San Francisco museum is honorary, in the spirit of Pride Month. Her LGBT activist work, as well as her award-nominating performances on Orange Is the New Black, which nearly won her an Emmy, also make her a stand-out selection for the honor. Before Caitlyn Jenner dominated the headlines with her courage, Cox helped pave the way for her by being a great performer, activist, and by simply being unabashedly herself ? all of which take great courage.
The adored actress will be featured along other notable performers, such as Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney. Cox said in a statement:
?When I think about being who I am, a black trans woman from a working class background raised in Mobile, Alabama, this honor feels even more improbable and extraordinary. I hope that this will be a source of inspiration for everyone who encounters it to believe that their dreams matter and are possible.?
Cox’s likeness in wax will come to life before your very eyes June 26 as part of the San Francisco Pride press conference. Madame Tussauds? San Francisco can be found down at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Yep, once again, the arts are blazing a trail for the rest of America to follow. Ellen helped usher in acceptance of same-sex couples, and Cox and her role on Orange Is the New Black is helping do the same for our trans family so well Madame Tussauds is compelled to preserve her spot in history, thereby further validating Cox’s importance to American culture, and beyond ? not that Cox needs any validating at all.
Sometimes, America can still be the beautiful.
Featured image via WikiMedia
