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Years ago, a therapist said in our very first session that there are only two things that we can truly control in our lives - our own perception and our own behavior. That's it. Nothing more than that.  Each week, The Laverne Cox Show will feature intimate conversations with folks who help me to see and think differently so that maybe I can act differently. It is my hope that this becomes a place that fosters perspectives that might inspire new behavior in each of us, which in turn gets us closer to becoming the very best versions of ourselves. Let's have a spiritual makeover together.

The Laverne Cox Show

A decade ago, Laverne Cox burst on to the scene with her role as Sophia Burset on Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black,” becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. This month, Laverne stars in the Netflix film “Uglies,” a dystopian story set in a future society where everyone undergoes extreme cosmetic surgery at the age of 16 to become “pretty.” Laverne joins the Bright Side to discuss her latest role, her changing perceptions of beauty standards, and how at 52, she is saying “yes to life.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laverne Cox on “Uglies,” Beauty Standards, and Being Herself

Hi, Laverne Cox Show fans! Today we bring you an exclusive listen to Laverne’s conversation with mental health guru Jay Shetty on his podcast, On Purpose. Check it out to hear Laverne discuss unresolved trauma, rewiring your brain, and more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laverne Cox Visits Jay Shetty’s On Purpose Podcast

Larger than life fashion journalist, stylist, creative director and editor André Leon Talley passed away unexpectedly on January 18, 2022. In this episode of love, respect, admiration and reflection, Laverne and her exceptional guests remind us why the world, the fashion world in particular, will miss the late great André Leon Talley. Iconic fashion designer and André’s longtime friend Norma Kamali shares stories starting from their early days in 1970’s New York City and Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post journalist Robin Givhan offers an industry perspective from the last 25 years of his life. Both are intimate, knowing, and candid, and say the same thing: there will never be another ALT.
 
A New Line: Robin Givhan Interviews André Leon Talley (2017) (courtesy of Washington Post Live Events)
 
Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.
 
As always, stay in the love.
 
More Links of Interest:
 
A.L.T. by André Leon Talley
 
Chiffon Trenches by André Leon Talley
 
The Gospel According to Andre (Documentary Official Trailer)
 
A Memorial for André Leon Talley (NYT)
 
André Leon Talley, the Pioneering Vogue Editor, Has Died at 73 (Vogue)
 
Norma Kamali: I Am Invincible (book)
 
Grace Jones Studio 54 New Years Eve Party (costume designed by Norma Kamali)
 
Jessye Norman (Opera Legends Documentary, YouTube)
 
ALT on Meeting Lagerfeld and Being Correct (YouTube)
 
John Fairchild, author of Fashionable Savages
 
Hilton Als' Profile (The New Yorker, 1994)
 
The Collection of André Leon Talley (Christie’s)
 
ALT Recent Auction (The Cut)
 
Laverne Cox and André Leon Talley on Watch What Happens Live 2015 
 
Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show Reinvents Lingerie (TIME, 2019)
 
André Leon Talley Dishes on Galliano, McQueen, and Lagerfeld, Darling (Interview Mag, 2020)
 
Andre Leon Talley Day (WWD, 2022)
 
 
 
Other Episodes Mentioned Relevant:
 
The Spirituality of Club Culture w/ Honey Dijon
 
Diary: Where Fashion Meets Art
 
The Legendary Life of Connie Fleming, Part I and Part II
 
 
 
CREDITS:
 
Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins
 
Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell
 
Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

André Leon Talley: A Tribute w/ Norma Kamali & Robin Givhan (Season Finale)

**Be sure to hear ALEX NEWELL'S 2023 TONY AWARD ACCEPTANCE SPEECH (X or TikTok)
 
Laverne has a fun catch-up sesh with her good friend Broadway supertalent Alex Newell. This year, Alex was one of the two gender nonconforming actors to ever win a Tony. They got theirs for their show-stopping performance as Lulu in the hit new musical Shucked. They walk Laverne through their rise to the Broadway stage, their unusual anatomy which plays a big role in their incredible voice, what’s next on their calendar, and most importantly, the crucial role The Fresh Prince of Bel Air had in their life. 
 
ALEX NEWELL 2023 TONY AWARD ACCEPTANCE SPEECH TRANSCRIPT:
 
“ I'm not going to hold y'all because it's hot in here. I have wanted this my entire life. I thank each and every one of you in this room right now. And mommy, I love you. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for teaching me what strength is. To my entire building and cast and crew of Shucked, you are my rock. I love you all. Thank you for seeing me, Broadway. I should not be up here as a queer, non binary, fat, black, little baby from Massachusetts. To anyone that thinks that they can't do it, I'm going to look you dead in your face that you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to.”
 
Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.
 
As always, stay in the love.
 
 
 
Links of Interest:
 
Alex Singing “Independently Owned” on The Voice Finale (2023) 
 
Alex’s Audition for The Glee Project Singing “And I Am Telling You”
 
The Glee Project
 
Alex Singing "I Am Changing" at 18 (credit Luciano Ferreiro)
 
Alex Singing “I Am Changing” at 22 (with Boston Gay Men’s Chorus)
 
Alex Singing “I Am Changing” at 29 (for Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth) (credit Shoshana Medney / bwaySHO)
 
The Broadway League
 
Alex Vocal Range (YouTube)
 
“Independently Owned” (Official Video) | Shucked
 
Alex in Once on This Island, “Mama Will Provide” (2018 Tony Awards)
 
Nell Carter
 
Jennifer Holliday
 
Black Music Archive
 
Alex Singing One of Producer Brooke’s Favorite Songs Ever
 
 
 
Other Episodes Mentioned or Relevant:
 
Overcoming Trauma Through Art w/ Billy Porter
 
Opera & Diva Worship w/ Ira Siff
 
 
 
CREDITS:
 
Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins
 
Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell
 
Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No Notes for Broadway Star Alex Newell

The legislative war against the LGBTQ+ community has been relentless and according to powerhouse civil rights attorney Alejandra Caraballo it may get even worse next year. Conservative republicans have introduced over 500 state bills this year alone to deny healthcare, threaten businesses and allies, and to try to force LGBTQ+ folks back into closets and shadows. But there are things we can do - and the first thing is to congratulate Alejandra. 
 
This conversation was recorded in June (2023) when most of the legislative proposals were complete for the year. 
 
See links below for updated legislative actions and stats and other resources.
 
 
 
Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.
 
As always, stay in the love.
 
 
 
Links of Interest:
 
Alejandra Caraballo on Instagram
 
2023 Legislative Session Tracker (ACLU)
 
2023 National Bills (Trans Legislation Tracker)
 
Map: Attacks on Gender Affirming Care by State (Human Rights Campaign)
 
Transition Related Care for Transgender Youth (National Center for Transgender Equality)
 
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TILDEF)
 
Campaign for Southern Equality
 
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
 
GLAAD
 
Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8 (pub. 9/22, World Professional Association for Transgender Health)
 
The time to panic about anti-trans legislation is now (Vox)
 
The Far Right Is Calling for the Execution of Teachers and Doctors (Vice)
 
PFLAG Resources 
 
Wilhoit’s Law
 
How DeSantis’ Fight With Disney Began (Washington Post)
 
Target becomes latest company to suffer backlash… (AP)
 
 
 
Other Episodes Mentioned or Relevant:
 
Reclaiming the Trans Narrative w/ Chase Strangio & Miss Peppermint
 
Transitioning as a Child & Beyond w/ Nicole Maines
 
Pushing Back Against Anti-Trans Media & Policies w/ Chase Strangio
 
 
 
CREDITS:
 
Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins
 
Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell
 
Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anti-Trans Troll Legislation w/ Alejandra Caraballo

Some fashion rises above normal clothing and becomes at some point art. Laverne shares her passion for fashion and the thrill of the chase. Her vintage designer collection is not only a resource for joy but the thrill of owning seminal pieces and seeing the development of a brilliant designer over time is just fun. Then there’s SEAM RIPPING!
 
 
 
Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.
 
As always, stay in the love.
 
 
 
Links of Interest:
 
Behind the Fashion - Summertime: A TripHopera
 
Summertime: A Trip Hopera Music Video
 
Thierry Mugler
 
Thierry Mugler at Brooklyn Museum
 
Thierry Mugler Jacket Animation (Fashion Institute of Technology)
 
Connie Fleming walking for Mugler - MUST SEE
 
George Michael - Too Funky (Official Video)
 
George Michael - Too Funky (Thierry Mugler Original Director's Cut)
 
John Galliano
 
Comme des Garçons
 
Issey Miyaki (New York Times Obit)
 
Lady Miss Kier
 
André Leon Talley (New York Times Obit)
 
 
 
Other Episodes Mentioned or Relevant:
 
The Spirituality of Club Culture w/ Honey Dijon
 
The Legendary Life of Connie Fleming, Part I and Part II
 
 
 
CREDITS:
 
Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins
 
Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell
 
Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diary: Where Fashion Meets Art

*Please note the opera glossary and links to audio below!
 
Laverne has a passion for divas - from Beyonce to Leontyne Price, and closer to home, Angel Blue, the history-making operatic soprano who has become a dear friend as well. Angel shares her road to the spotlight including her early years of artistic difficulty and personal tragedy. Angel is a two-time grammy winner and was the first Black diva to sing the leading role in Verdi’s “La Traviata” at The Metropolitan Opera in New York, Covent Garden in London, and - though it was said it could not be done - La Scala Opera House in Milan. Heads up, in Milan that makes you a rockstar.
 
Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.
 
As always, stay in the love.
 
Links of Interest:
 
Sumptuous La Traviata Charms La Scala with Placido Domingo and Angel Blue (Euronews, YouTube)
 
AIDA: Royal Opera House (Angel Joy Blue YouTube Channel)
 
Every Operatic Soprano Voice Type, Explained
 
Emotion, Destiny’s Child, High C @3:29
 
Leontyne Price Sings Aida’s “O Patria Mia”, High C 
 
Opera Singers - High Note C (C6) Battle
 
Leontyne Price and Simon Estes Duet, Aida
 
The Iconic Shade of Aretha Franklin (Beautiful Gowns)
 
Grace Bumbry (Video)
 
Grace Bumbry (NPR)
 
Soprano Angel Blue Cancels Arena di Verona Debut in Response to Blackface (ClassicalMusic.com/BBC)
 
 
 
Glossary of Opera Terms:
 
Arena di Verona: an ancient Roman amphitheater in Verona, Italy built in 30 AD. It is still in use today and is famous for its large scale operatic performances
 
Aida: an opera by Giuseppe Verde. Premiere Cairo, 1871. Synopsis
 
Aria: A self-contained piece for a singer, or “solo.” In opera, arias mostly appear during a pause in dramatic action when a character is reflecting on their emotions. 
 
Bel Canto: An Italian vocal technique or “school” developed and popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries. It places emphasis on beauty of sound and brilliance of performance rather than dramatic expression and romantic emotion. 
 
Carmen: an opera in four acts by the French composer Georges Bizet. Premiere Paris, 1875. Synopsis
 
Coloratura: Elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody, especially in operatic singing by a soprano. 
 
Covent Garden & The Royal Opera: an internationally acclaimed opera house and company, the three-theatre physical structure dates back to 1858
 
Samson et Dalila: an opera in three acts by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns based on the biblical story of Samson and Delilah. Premiere Weimar, Germany, 1877. Synopsis
 
Falsetto: A method of singing used by male singers, especially tenors, to sing notes higher than their normal range. 
 
Forte: A musical direction that means “loud.” 
 
Il Trovatore: An opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verde. Premiere Rome,1853. Synopsis
 
La Scala or Teatro alla Scala is an opera house in Milan, Italy. The theatre was inaugurated on August 3, 1778.
 
Legato: (adj.) Smooth and flowing in manner, without breaks between notes. 
 
Libretto: The text of an opera (or other vocal work). 
 
Ornaments (ornamentation): Musical flourishes or embellishments (such as a trill or a slide) that are not essential to carry the overall line of the melody, but serve instead to decorate or “ornament” that line. 
 
Pianissimo: A soft performance, played or sung quietly. 
 
Rigoletto: an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi. Premiere Venice, 1851. Synopsis
 
The Met: The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
 
Tosca: an opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini. Premiere Rome, 1900. Synopsis
 
Traviata: Short for “La Traviata,” a famous opera by Giuseppe Verde. La Traviata also goes by the name “Camille” in English, which was derived from the title of the book (La Dame aux Camélias) that inspired it as well as the 2001 film Moulin Rouge. Premiere Venice, 1853. Synopsis
 
 
 
Other Episodes of Interest:
 
Diva Worship and Opera w/ Ira Siff
 
The Intellectual Underpinnings of Beyonce's Awesomeness w/ Kevin Allred
 
 
 
Music Credits:
 
Audio from San Francisco Opera’s 2023 Il Trovatore is courtesy of Angel Blue.
 
Audio of Angel singing “D'amor sull'ali rosee” from Il Trovatore with The Philadelphia Orchestra September 2020 provided by TPO. Angel will be back on its stage June 8, 2024.
 
Audio of Angel Blue’s “Summertime” from her 2014 solo album Joy Alone is courtesy of Angel Blue.
 
 
 
CREDITS:
 
Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins
 
Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell
 
Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Voice of the Operatic Angel Blue

Content Warning: this important episode contains talk about sexual situations, assault and rape. Resources for survivors are below.
 
It may not be anyone’s favorite topic, but taking care of business is empowering and this is the business, educating ourselves and, importantly, our kids and younger generations on how to be safe and considerate with our bodies. 
 
It seems obvious that in order to clarify the lines of intimacy, words should be involved. But it’s probably true that many people don’t know what those words are or how or when to say them. That’s where Ellen comes in. Words are helpful always, but especially in even trickier situations of cross-cultural communications or neurodiversity. 
 
Please share this episode with anyone and everyone you know who has sex or would like to one day.
 
Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.
 
As always, stay in the love.
 
Resources for survivors of sexual violence:
 
Rainn 
 
Anti-Violence Project
 
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
 
 
 
Links of Interest:
 
Ellen Friedrichs Website: www.sexEdvice.com
 
Racial & Sexual Violence Pyramid | Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
 
Understanding the Manosphere and Andrew Tate (The Conversation)
 
Andrew Tate Suspected Pyramid Scheme (Vice)
 
Restorative Justice: Impact/Justice Project
 
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey 
 
GLSEN Research and Reports
 
The Body Keeps the Score (Book)
 
 
 
Ellen's Recommended Comedians:
 
Sashi Perera
 
Steph Tolev
 
Irene Tu
 
 
 
Ellen’s Recommended Reading:
 
The Art of Receiving and Giving: The Wheel of Consent by Dr. Betty Martin, with Robyn Dalzen
 
Believe Me: How Trusting Women Can Change the World by Jessica Valenti (Editor), Jaclyn Friedman (Editor)
 
Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity by Peggy Orenstein
 
Had it Coming: What’s Fair in the Age of #MeToo by Robin Doolittle
 
Redefining Rape: Sexual Violence in the Era of Suffrage and Segregation by Estelle B. Freedman
 
 
 
Episodes Mentioned or Relevant:
 
Reclaiming MeToo w/ Tarana Burke
 
The Truth & Consequences of Dating as a Trans Woman w/ Jen Richards
 
Ending Violence Toward Trans People w/ Dr. Karen Franklin
 
 
 
CREDITS:
 
Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins
 
Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell
 
Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becoming a Good Sexual Citizen w/ Ellen Friedrichs

There are few things more vulnerable than singing, unless you’re Leontyne Price, of course. For the rest of us, though, it can be fraught. Laverne shares with us her journey through developing her voice as a transgender woman and as a lover of singing. And while the road, she says, has had some traumatic moments, she knows she will never stop. In fact, she has recently released her own version of the operatic classic “Summertime” from the opera Porgy and Bess - pop diva style! In this diary, Laverne talks about the study of voice, what makes a voice beautiful, and always being in process.
 
Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.
 
As always, stay in the love.
 
***
 
Links of Interest:
 
Summertime: A TripHopera (Official Video)
 
Shequida Hall (Instagram)
 
Key’mon Murrah, Countertenor 
 
The 5 Countertenors (YouTube)
 
Farinelli Movie Trailer (YouTube)
 
Derek Lee Ragin for Farinelli (YouTube)
 
Jessye Norman (YouTube)
 
Sarah Vaughn (YouTube)
 
Varla Jean Merman
 
Leontyne Price (NEA Opera Honors Interview, YouTube)
 
Kennedy Center Honors Leontyne Price (YouTube)
 
Marian Anderson Sings at Lincoln Memorial, 1939 (YouTube)
 
Marian Anderson "Ave Maria" on The Ed Sullivan Show, 1952 (YouTube)
 
 
 
Other Episodes Mentioned:
 
Opera & Diva Worship with Ira Siff
 
 
 
CREDITS:
 
Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins
 
Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell
 
Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diary: My Voice, Mia Voce

Connie Fleming. In this two-part episode honoring the legendary runway model, cabaret performer and NYC “door bitch”, Laverne gets allll the tea about Connie’s life then and now. These episodes are bursting with history, HERSTORY and fun, juicy details of incredible stories from back in the glorious (and terrifying) day.
 
Part II: The 90’s to Today
 
In this episode Laverne and Connie continue their no-holds-barred chat about her incredible life in New York City picking up in the 90’s as the famously “discerning” door guard at the most happening nightclubs. She shares more details about her runway career, including her time in Paris, as well as the end of her time as an accepted transgender high fashion model.
 
Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.
 
As always, stay in the love.
 
Links of Interest - PART 2:
 
Michael Alig, Fixture of New York City Nightlife, Dies at 54 (2020, New York Times) 
 
Party Monster Doc
 
Andy Warhol (Brief History, YouTube)
 
Madame Arthur and Carousel 1950’s Paris
 
Marsha P. Johnson
 
International Chrysis in Photos
 
Split: Portrait of a Drag Queen (UCLA Film and Television Archive Panel Discussion, 2021)
 
International Chrysis (Boy Bar video, joined by Cody Ravioli)
 
Vivienne Westwood (Vogue)
 
Vivienne Westwood: Her Life and Career in Pictures (The Guardian)
 
André Leon Talley (New York Times Obit)
 
Joe Deitrich 
 
3 Vintage Trans Models You Might Not Know About (incl. Teri Toye)
 
 
 
Other Episodes Mentioned or Relevant:
 
The Groundbreaking Fashion Career of Tracey ‘Africa’ Norman
 
The Spirituality of Club Culture w/ Honey Dijon
 
 
 
CREDITS:
 
Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins
 
Producer & Co-Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell
 
Co-Editor: Nikolas Harter
 
Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Legendary Life of Connie Fleming, Part II: No Club For You!

The recent episode honoring bell hooks with Darnell Moore and Imani Perry got Laverne thinking even more about ideas around privilege. Just because you have it, doesn’t make you bad. Just because someone else has it doesn’t make them an oppressor. Privilege is relative. You can be the most privileged person in one room and the least privileged person in the next. Perhaps it’s time to stop blaming other people, look also at ourselves, and move forward together. Just some thoughts.
 
Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.
 
As always, stay in the love.
 
Links of Interest:
 
After Racist Tweet, Roseanne Barr’s Show Is Canceled by ABC (NYT, 2018)
 
Privilege and Intersectionality (Rider University)
 
Other Episodes Mentioned or Relevant:
 
Class Shaming w/ Mary O’Hara
 
Beauty as Capital w/ Kimberly Foster
 
Black Women Are Enough w/ Sarah Adeyinka Skold
 
CREDITS:
 
Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins
 
Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell
 
Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight
 
 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diary: Thinking About Privilege

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