TS Madison is joined by the legend, the mother, the trendsetter, the seed planter, Maddie’s future presidential pick– Laverne Cox! Laverne is the DEFINITION of a trailblazer, as the first trans woman to grace the cover of Times Magazine, British Vogue, Cosmo, Essence, and so much more. And she’s not kicking down the ladder– Laverne says the best part of fame is getting to inspire and create space for up-and-coming trans and queer artists. She may be the first when it comes to nominations and accolades, but she will NOT be the last!

Two pillars of trans media, Laverne and Madison discuss breaking into the entertainment industry as Black trans women, and the double standards and setbacks that are all too common. Laverne talks about her own journey waitressing in New York for years and almost getting evicted before reaching career success with Orange Is The New Black– and now executive producing and starring in her own TV series, Clean Slate.

And there's no question why Maddie wants to see this TV star in office– Laverne talks gender theory, from reading Judith Butler and bell hooks in college, to what it means to be a trans person in 2025. Laverne provides insight into how the patriarchy demonizes trans women and cis women alike, why intersectionality is important, and breaks down the dangers of Project 2025 for all of us. It’s not an easy time, as trans and queer folks face more and more political attacks every day. But it’s voices like Laverne’s that remind us of our power.

"Outlaws" is hosted by TS Madison, and is part of the Outspoken Network from iHeartPodcasts, co-produced by Turtle Run Entertainment.

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