Laverne Cox criticizes Republicans for using transphobia in campaign
- Laverne Cox spoke on The Daily Show on October 17, 2024, criticizing the Republican party's anti-trans campaigning.
- Cox highlighted the rise of anti-LGBT legislation in the U.S., with 25 states banning transgender minors from accessing gender-affirming care.
- She called for compassion and understanding towards the transgender community amidst the growing division and hate promoted by such political tactics.
In the United States, Laverne Cox criticized the Republican party for their aggressive anti-trans rhetoric during the 2024 election season. Speaking on The Daily Show on October 17, 2024, she highlighted the alarming rise in anti-LGBT legislation, including the banning of gender-affirming care for transgender minors in 25 states. Cox slammed Donald Trump and the GOP for spending $65 million on campaign ads that misuse and misrepresent facts related to transgender issues, specifically targeting prominent politicians like Kamala Harris. Cox wore purple to commemorate Spirit Day, intended to raise awareness against LGBT bullying. She used humor to critique the issues, making a connection between ignoring trans identities and broader societal issues like climate change. In her remarks, she emphasized the harmful nature of dehumanizing language towards marginalized groups, which serves as a prelude to violence and discrimination. Her comments come amid a growing wave of legislation that restricts access to medical treatments for transgender individuals, particularly in Republican-led states like Florida. The rhetoric from the GOP has been described as part of a broader agenda promoting division and hate. Cox’s advocacy aims to combat these narratives and encourage rehumanization rather than dehumanization of trans people. The backlash against trans rights and access to care continues to evoke strong responses from activists, who emphasize the need for unity and understanding within the community instead of further marginalization.