Wearing a stunning purple Mugler suit from 1995 for Spirit Day, Laverne Cox delivered one of the best songs you’ll see on Thursday night TV.
On a day to raise awareness about campaigns against anti-LGBTQ bullying, the actor, podcaster, and activist presented an excellent segment The Daily Show. Cox didn’t just address bullying in schools – pointing to a Trevor Project report on bullying and the risk of suicide among LGBTQ youth – he took aim at those who should be adults.
“These days, bullying also happens to people who are not much older than teenagers: politicians,” he said.
“With the anti-trans message playing such a big role in politics, it’s no wonder we’re seeing so much violence and suicide. And that’s something we have do have solid data. I didn’t get that fact out of the same place Republicans get their information from: www.straightoutoftheirass.com.”
Cox pointed out how Republicans consistently use disparaging language and misinformation in their election campaigns — specifically, spending millions on anti-trans ads across the country — $65 million, in fact. “Seriously, $65 million in anti-trans ads?” Cox said. “You know how disappointing it is to finally have someone spend $65 million on me and it’s because of this stupidity? I didn’t want hateful attack ads! I wanted a house in the mountains with six walk-in closets!”
He also pointed out that more than 515 anti-LGBTQ bills are in progress in all US states, including the aforementioned ban on transgender athletes. “These legislative leaders say the purpose of these bills is to protect children, but the reality is that anti-trans laws actually lead to abuse of students in schools,” Cox said. “And that’s very disappointing to see, especially for governors like Ron DeSantis. The way this man rocks high heels, you’d think he’d be a friend.”
Cox’s monologue is funny and serious, and it’s must-watch TV — take 10 minutes to watch it above.
“We’re just trying to live our lives,” she said. But because that’s a simple and uncontroversial fact, Republicans should flood the airwaves with fear mongering. “