August 20, 2008

Transgender Women of Color Hit Reality TV

By David Mariner, Temenos.net

Transgender Women of Color are rarely seen on reality television, as are LGBT People of Color. But two African-American transgender women are changing that and breaking barriers on reality television this season.

When “America’s Next Top Model” starts in September, Isis will be competing along with the other women. Isis is the first ever transgender contestant on the popular reality show. And even though the show has yet to begin, Fox News has already started with the inappropriate and ill-informed commentary.

Laverne Cox, however, seems to have slipped by Fox’s radar screen for now. Laverne is currently competing in the reality show “I Want to Work for Diddy.” In this new VH1 reality show contestants compete for the opportunity to be P. Diddy’s personal assistant.

Laverne, who frequently posts at MyVH1Friends.com, tells Gay.com: “Mr. Combs is giving me an opportunity that can change the way people see trans people of color. I have a dream and am very ambitious, but if I can change the way people perceive trans people of color in this country, that’s something hugely important to me.”

Posted by: Sapphocrat

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