Laverne Cox

Award-Winning Actress, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Acclaimed Producer & Equal Rights Advocate

Laverne Cox

Award-Winning Actress, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Acclaimed Producer & Equal Rights Advocate

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Biography

With various ‘firsts’ in her already impressive career, Laverne Cox is a four-time Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer, and prominent equal rights advocate and public speaker. Laverne's groundbreaking role as “Sophia Burset” in the critically acclaimed Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black brought her to the attention of diverse audiences around the world. This role led to Laverne becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Primetime acting Emmy and made her the first transgender woman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream scripted television series. Laverne continues to expand her presence on both the big and small screens with diverse and groundbreaking roles. Global audiences have seen her in Uglies, directed by McG for Netflix, the Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman, Shonda Rhimes’ limited series Inventing Anna for Netflix, Justin Simien’s Bad Hair, and the action-comedy Jolt alongside Kate Beckinsale, Bobby Cannavale, and Stanley Tucci. Most recently, Laverne starred in Clean Slate for Amazon Prime, which she also executive produced through Laverne Cox Productions, and appeared in Outcome for Apple TV alongside Jonah Hill and Keanu Reeves.

Laverne is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Transcendent, which invites readers into her life from her childhood experiences of abuse to her breakthrough in Hollywood. Blending behind-the-scenes stories with deeply personal reflection, she shares how healing, self-acceptance, and resilience shaped her journey. At its core, the memoir is both an intimate personal story and a call to build a more compassionate, equitable world together.

Laverne is also a successful and award-winning podcaster, having launched The Laverne Cox Show with Shondaland Audio and iHeartRadio. Seasons one and two are available wherever podcasts are found. She is also an Emmy-winning producer, and her documentary Disclosure, which she executive produced, is streaming on Netflix. Named one of the 100 best documentaries of all time by Vogue, Disclosure offers a groundbreaking look at the depiction of transgender characters throughout the history of film and television. Her other documentaries include the Emmy-winning Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word and Free CeCe.

Laverne is the first openly transgender person to have her own Barbie by Mattel and to appear on the covers of TIME, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Essence, among others. She also proudly holds two SAG Awards, winning them with her Orange Is the New Black castmates for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Other accolades include a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Drawing on her experiences in entertainment, advocacy, and storytelling, Laverne speaks with corporations, universities, associations, nonprofits, and community organizations about authenticity, belonging, LGBTQ+ equality, resilience, and creating cultures where everyone can thrive. Through personal stories and cultural insight, she inspires audiences to lead with courage, empathy, and purpose. Laverne Cox works in partnership with APB Speakers for speaking engagements worldwide.

Speaker Videos

Laverne Cox - Variety's Power of Women Full Speech

Intersectionality is the Answer

#TransIsBeautiful

Clarity and Truth

My Mental Health Journey | Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox Breaks Down Her Acting Career, Katie Couric Interviews & NYC Club Kid Days | Them

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Speech Topics

Ain’t I A Woman: My Journey to Womanhood

What does it mean to live authentically in a world that often asks you to be someone else? Laverne Cox shares the deeply personal story of her journey to womanhood, reflecting on the intersections of race, gender, class, and identity that have shaped her life. From growing up in Mobile, Alabama, in a Christian family led by a single mother to pursuing her dreams as an actress in New York City, Cox offers an honest account of the challenges, triumphs, and moments of self-discovery that defined her path. With vulnerability, humor, and grace, she explores what it took to embrace the woman she always knew herself to be while navigating adversity, professional success, and the search for love and belonging. More than a personal memoir, this conversation invites audiences to consider the power of authenticity, courage, and self-acceptance in their own lives. The result is an inspiring and deeply human reflection on identity, resilience, and the freedom that comes from living your truth.

Audiences will learn:

How identity, race, gender, and lived experience shape the journey toward self-acceptance
The importance of authenticity, resilience, and courage in overcoming adversity
Why embracing your true self creates space for belonging, purpose, and personal growth

Unbreakable: Navigating Mental Health & Resilience in a World of Change

Resilience is not about never struggling—it is about finding the strength to keep moving forward. Laverne Cox offers a candid and deeply personal conversation about mental health, identity, and healing, drawing on her experiences navigating public life, personal growth, and the challenges that often accompany living authentically. Through stories of triumph and adversity, Cox reflects on the pressures of societal expectations, the emotional impact of marginalization, and the ongoing work of caring for one's mental wellbeing. She explores the roles that self-awareness, vulnerability, community, and self-care have played in her own journey while encouraging audiences to challenge stigma and embrace honest conversations about mental health. With compassion, humor, and authenticity, Laverne reminds audiences that resilience is not about facing life's challenges alone but about finding connection, hope, and the courage to ask for support. This inspiring keynote offers a powerful message about healing, perseverance, and the strength that comes from embracing our full humanity.

Audiences will learn:

Practical ways to build resilience and prioritize mental wellbeing during times of change
The importance of vulnerability, connection, and self-care in supporting mental health
How authenticity and self-acceptance can foster healing, hope, and personal growth

Testimonials

“Laverne Cox delivered an exceptional closing session that left attendees deeply moved and inspired. Laverne’s remarks resonated throughout the audience, and her thoughtful reflections on her college experience and the important work being done on behalf of students and campuses added meaningful relevance to the program. Her message of resilience, authenticity, and purpose elevated the conference experience and created a lasting impact on participants. We are grateful for the partnership that made her participation possible and for the tremendous value she brought to the event.”

- NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

“Laverne Cox was wonderful to work with and brought so much passion to the conversation. Laverne's authenticity and thoughtful perspective made her the perfect panelist. We could not have asked for a better addition to the program.”

- ViiV Healthcare

“Laverne Cox was truly extraordinary, bringing a unique voice, presence, and perspective to the program. Laverne captivated our audience from beginning to end, and our guests loved every moment of the experience. She made a lasting impression on everyone in attendance, and we were honored to have her with us.”

- Planned Parenthood Great Plains