MJ Rodriguez has made history by becoming the first transgender actor to win a Golden Globe.
The actor was honored for her role in Pose, the FX show which concluded after three seasons in mid 2021. She won under the category of actress in a drama series.
Pose delves into the African-American and Latino ballroom scene in 1980s New York, centering inclusivity, joy and sentiment. Rodriguez plays Blanca, the founder of House Evangelista and a nurse who plays an active role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Rodriguez turned to Instagram to celebrate and comment on the win, writing, “OMG OMGGG!!!! @goldenglobes Wow! You talking about sickening birthday present!”
She went on to say that this will “open the door for many more young talented individuals”.
“They will see that it is more than possible. They will see that a young Black Latina girl from Newark New Jersey who had a dream, to change the minds others would WITH LOVE. LOVE WINS. To my young LGBTQAI babies WE ARE HERE the door is now open now reach the stars!!!!!”
Rodriguez has previously been nominated for an Emmy for her performance – another noted moment in entertainment history because she was the first transgender actor to have been nominated in a major acting category. She did not end up winning the award.
It’s worth noting that the Golden Globes looked different this year. Last year, the Los Angeles Times broke a story highlighting the lack of diversity in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organisation behind the awards, as well as its past “ethical lapses“. In the months following, the awards were unable to secure broadcasting partners and actors willing to participate in this year’s event.
The event has essentially been boycotted by the industry, but continued regardless, just without a television streaming, a red carpet, or stars.
