Laverne Cox voices fear for LGBTQ+ rights as she considers leaving US after Donald Trump's victory

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Laverne Cox, visibly emotional after the defeat of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, has now broken her silence to voice deep concerns about the future of the LGBTQ+ community. 

In a heartfelt statement, Cox shared her plans to relocate, revealing she is researching cities that could serve as safe havens for trans people. She also expressed anxiety over the potential scarcity of hormone replacement therapy, highlighting the growing challenges she and others in the community may face under the current political climate.

Laverne Cox opens up about her concerns for trans community

In a recent virtual interview with Marc Malkin for the special 'Just for Variety' podcast on Thursday, November 7, 2024, Laverne Cox opened up about her concerns for the trans community following Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 election. 

She spoke candidly about her fears, saying, "I don't want to be in too much fear, but I'm scared. As a public figure, with all my privilege, I'm scared, and I'm particularly scared because I'm a public figure. I feel like I could be targeted. I think that they spent close to $100 million on anti-trans ads. It's deeply concerning."

Cox also revealed plans to explore relocation options, stating, "We're doing research on different cities in Europe and in the Caribbean." She clarified, however, that while she isn’t planning to leave the US herself, many others in the trans community are considering moving to states that are seen as safer.

The conversation then shifted to the growing concern over access to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). When Malkin mentioned that some trans individuals have begun stockpiling their HRT supplies, Cox responded, "I’m done with my medical transition, but I have to take estrogen for the rest of my life. If I stop I get hot flashes. It’s really bad. I have to take estrogen just for health. I don’t know if that’s going to be possible anymore." 

She went on to share, "There’s a website I’ve gone to already. I haven’t bought any yet because I’m talking to my doctor to make sure it’s all reputable and good product. But, yeah, I’m gonna hoard a bunch of estrogen. It’s a little trickier for trans men because testosterone is a controlled substance. But there are resources online."

Cox’s comments highlighted both the personal and community-wide fears surrounding the future of healthcare and safety for trans people in the current political climate.

Laverne Cox offers advice to young trans person starting in Hollywood

During the same interview, when Marc Malkin asked Laverne Cox for advice to offer a young trans person just starting in Hollywood, she shared a personal story about a 16-year-old friend’s daughter who had navigated her transition with the support of her parents. 

Cox explained, “She’s 16 years old, and because she was able, because she had supportive parents, she was able to transition before puberty. She did a social transition, and she was able to get access to puberty blockers. So in her high school, she is stealth. None of the kids know that she’s trans.”

Cox emphasized that such an experience isn’t available to everyone, acknowledging that it wasn’t an option for her, but if possible, living "stealth" is a safer route for some, as per Variety. She expressed deep concern for the teen, saying, “I’m so scared for her,” as she began to cry. “I just want her to be safe.”

In a tearful moment, Cox offered heartfelt advice to young trans people facing difficult circumstances, saying, “At this point, whatever you have to do to be safe and not be killed or terrorized so much as you want to kill yourself, [do it to] stay alive.” 

'Promising Young Woman' star continued with words of encouragement, adding, “So always follow your dreams. Never give up on your dreams, no matter what the circumstances. I would also say, learn the business, learn the market and be safe. Find ways to create your own work, create your own opportunities with social media. Have business savvy along with a commitment to the art, and never give up on your dreams.”