Donning a stunning purple vintage 1995 Mugler suit for Spirit Day, Laverne Cox delivered one of the best monologues you’ll see on late night TV on Thursday.
On a day that raises awareness about and campaigns against anti-LGBTQ bullying, the actor, podcaster, and activist presented an excellent segment on The Daily Show. Cox not only spoke to bullying in schools — pointing to The Trevor Project’s report on bullying and suicide risk among LGBTQ youth — she took aim at those supposed to be grown-ups.
“These days the bullying is also happening from people way more immature than teenagers: politicians,” she said.
“With anti-trans messaging playing such a large role in our politics it’s no wonder we’re seeing so much anti-trans violence and suicide. And that’s something we do have hard data on. I didn’t pull that fact from the same place Republicans get their information from: www.straightoutoftheirass.com.”
Cox demonstrated how Republicans consistently use dehumanising anti-trans language and misinformation in their election campaigns — notably, spending millions on anti-trans ads across the country — $65 million, in fact. “Seriously, $65 million on anti-trans ads?” Cox said. “Do you know how disappointing it is to finally have someone spend $65 million on me and it’s for this crap? I didn’t want hateful attack ads! I wanted a house in the hills with six walk-in closets!””
She also pointed to the fact that over 515 anti-LGBTQ bills are currently in progress across U.S. states, including much-publicised bans on transgender student athletes. “These lawmakers claim the purpose of these bills is to protect kids, but the reality is anti-trans laws actually lead to more school bullying of trans and queer kids,” said Cox. “And that is so disappointing to see, especially from governors like Ron DeSantis. The way that man rocks a pair of high heels you’d think he’d be an ally.”
Cox’s monologue is hilarious and serious, and must-watch TV — take 10 minutes for it above.
“We’re just trying to live our lives,” she said. “We just want to be who we are and not experience stigma, violence, and discrimination for it — and most people understand this. But because that is such a simple and non-controversial truth Republicans have to flood the airwaves with made up-fear-mongering.”
