The Laverne Cox Show

Laverne Cox joins HIGHKEY! to talk trans erasure, identity, and surviving Hollywood in 2025. She shares how the cancellation of Clean Slate affected her personally and financially, and explains why being palatable to white audiences didn’t protect her. Laverne breaks down her evolving stance on respectability politics and the growing divestment from trans stories. She also revisits a recent speech where she called out Gavin Newsom by name—and why she’s done playing nice. A raw and thoughtful conversation about power, creativity, and what it takes to keep going.

If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come kick it on Patreon! We’re dropping bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiki.

www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY

Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere

Follow along on socials @highkeyhere

HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ben O’Keefe, Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.

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Danielle and Simone discuss this week’s pop culture stories with Amanda Kloots, co-host of “The Talk” and moderator on Live from the Other Side with Tyler Henry. What’s the best way to connect with your child-free friends? And is sharing gum with your partner hot or not? Simone, Danielle, and Amanda weigh in.

Check out our episode with Michaela Jaé’ here!

And click here for more information on the Elle open casting call. 

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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.”

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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.

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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.

**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.

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.

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.

*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.

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.