Laverne Cox to Speak About Experiences and Challenges of Transgender People

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2014) — Transgender actress and advocate Laverne Cox will speak tonight at 8 p.m. in Memorial Hall. “Ain’t I a Woman: My Journey to Womanhood” will focus on the challenges Cox has overcome being a transwoman of color, as well as the lived experiences of trans people. This event, sponsored by Student Activities Board's Engaging Issues and Pop Culture committees, is non-ticketed and open to the public.

Laverne Cox is a transgender advocate, actress, writer and producer, best known for her portrayal of Sophia Burset in Netflix series "Orange is the New Black." She is the first African-American trans woman to produce and star in her own television show, titled TRANSForm Me. Cox was also the first trans woman to appear on a reality television program, VH1’s "I Want to Work for Diddy," which won GLAAD’s Outstanding Reality Program media award. Cox has been named one of the most influential trans people in America in the Trans 100 in 2013, and in 2012 was named one of Huffington Post’s top 50 trans icons. Most recently, she received the Anti-Violence Project’s 2013 Courage Award for her work as a transgender advocate. Cox travels the country advocating for transgender visibility and equality while speaking about issues affecting the trans community.

“Cox has advocated for the transgender community across the country, and we’re proud to say that she will speak in the UK and Lexington community,” said Emily Damron, SAB director of engaging issues. “We hope Cox’s discussion will raise awareness of this topic and create a more inclusive community.”

SAB brings more than 100 entertaining, educational and enriching programs that are reflective of contemporary issues and trends to the University of Kentucky annually. These programs are designed to enhance the college experience for students, faculty, staff and the greater Lexington community.

Connect with SAB at www.uksab.org, follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/UKSAB or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UKSAB. For more information about SAB and events, email contact@uksab.org or text a question beginning with SABQ, followed by your question or comment, to 411-247.

MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Bennett, katy.bennett@uky.edu, 859-257-1909