Laverne Cox: I Think a Famous Man Who Dates Transgender Women Should Come Forward & Set an Example

"I think those men need some sort of inspiration and hope, so they can live more authentically."

By Bruna Nessif Jun 19, 2015 10:33 PMTags
Laverne Cox, 2015, WidgetNeilson Barnard/Getty Images

Laverne Cox has always been an advocate for the transgender community, but now she's calling out for help from others.

While stating that "gender policing" hurts everyone, Cox explains during a SiriusXM interview that, "Most men who are attracted to and date transgender women are probably stigmatized more than trans women are."

And that's why the actress wants those men to step forward and set an example.

"I think a man who is dating trans women, who is a celebrity, or famous or is an athlete or something, needs to come forward–-or a musician–-and needs to say, ‘I love transgender women and [they] deserve to be loved and I'm going to declare that publicly.'

"I think those men need some sort of inspiration and hope, so they can live more authentically."

Cox goes on to state that society's norms have made it so absolutely everyone succumbs to "gender policing."

"Gender is policed in such a way that it does not just affect transgender people," she said. "It affects gay-identified men, straight-identified men. And straight-identified men [who are] deeply policed. As I date a lot of straight-identified men, I've seen them so deeply internalize these ideas very rigidly about what it means to be a man—to be a straight man."

She's also been very supportive of Caitlyn Jenner's journey, and the E! star, who joined social media earlier this month just after revealing her new female name and look, used her 11th tweet to pay tribute to the Orange Is the New Black star.

The 65-year-old Olympian and Keeping Up With the Kardashians star had occasionally spoken privately to the 31-year-old before and after revealing in an ABC News interview in April that she is transitioning. Cox has often expressed support for her and had told E! News last week that Jenner had contacted her again recently and that she planned on calling her.

".@LaverneCox, you are fierce and fabulous!" read a tweet posted on Jenner's Twitter page, which has acquired more than 2.56 million followers in less than three weeks. "Your support means the world. Thank you for all that you do for the community. #TransIsBeautiful."

"My pleasure," Cox replied late on Wednesday. "Sending you lots of love always. #TransIsBeautiful."

Caitlyn Jenner's new E! docu-series I Am Cait  debuts on July 26 at 9/8c!

PHOTOS: Transgender celebrities