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It’s evident that Caitlyn Jenner absolutely owned her Vanity Fair cover shoot, but actress and transgender activist Laverne Cox says we should focus on more than just Jenner’s glamorous new look.

In a personal Tumblr post, Cox spoke on her and Jenner’s pivotal magazine covers and why transgender people of all looks — glam, sporty, casual, etc. — should receive the same love and support. While reflecting on her own cover of Time magazine, Cox reiterated that trans celebrities’ beliefs and views should be welcomed as much as their high-fashion photoshoots.

“A year ago when my Time magazine cover came out I saw posts from many trans folks saying that I am “drop dead gorgeous” and that that doesn’t represent most trans people. (It was news to be that I am drop dead gorgeous but I’ll certainly take it),” she said. “But what I think they meant is that in certain lighting, at certain angles I am able to embody certain cisnormative beauty standards. Now, there are many trans folks because of genetics and/or lack of material access who will never be able to embody these standards. More importantly many trans folks don’t want to embody them and we shouldn’t have to to be seen as ourselves and respected as ourselves . It is important to note that these standards are also infomed by race, class and ability among other intersections. I have always been aware that I can never represent all trans people. No one or two or three trans people can. This is why we need diverse media representations of trans folks to multiply trans narratives in the media and depict our beautiful diversities. I started #TransIsBeautiful as a way to celebrate all those things that make trans folks uniquely trans, those things that don’t necessarily align with cisnormative beauty standards.”

The Orange Is The New Black actress went on to praise Jenner for her strength.

Cox’s biggest takeaway from her “stream of consciousness” seems to be a note of reflection when it comes to how some transgender women and men are viewed. While Cox and Jenner may be placed in the same lane of “glam” celebs, there’s plenty of others who advocate for the cause, from Chaz Bono to Givenchy model Lea T.

Cox called the journey to transgender unity a struggle, and while we’re basking in the slayage that is Jenner, we should keep in mind the limited access to healthcare, jobs, and opportunities the transgender community faces.

“It is those trans folks we must continue to lift up, get them access to healthcare, jobs, housing, safe streets, safe schools and homes for our young people. We must lift up the stories of those most at risk, statistically trans people of color who are poor and working class. I have hoped over the past few years that the incredible love I have received from the public can translate to the lives of all trans folks. Trans folks of all races, gender expressions, ability, sexual orientations, classes, immigration status, employment status, transition status, genital status etc.. I hope, as I know Caitlyn does, that the love she is receiving can translate into changing hearts and minds about who all trans people are as well as shifting public policies to fully support the lives and well being of all of us. The struggle continues…”

You can read Cox’s Tumblr post in full here.

SOURCE: MTV | VIDEO CREDIT: NDN

SEE ALSO: 

She’s Here! First Photographs Of Caitlyn Jenner, Formerly Known As Bruce, Break The Internet

The Stars Come Out: President Obama, Kerry Washington, & More Tweet Support For Caitlyn Jenner

Laverne Cox Explains Why We Shouldn’t Obsess Over Caitlyn Jenner’s Beauty  was originally published on newsone.com