Mj Rodriguez on her historic Emmy nomination
has become the first transgender performer to pick up an Emmy nomination in a major acting category.
This nomination marks a significant step for LGBTQIA-plus representation — and specifically trans representation — at the. Prior to Rodriguez, only two openly trans performers received Emmy attention: Laverne Cox was the first, picking up her first nomination in the guest drama actress category for her work as former inmate Sophia on Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” in 2014 ; meanwhile, Rain Valdez of “Razor Tongue” scored a short form comedy or drama actress nom just last year.
“Michaela Jaé Rodriguez’s Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a drama series is a breakthrough for transgender women in Hollywood, and a long-overdue recognition for her groundbreaking performance over the past three seasons of ‘Pose,’” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.out of any series, but only Rodriguez and Billy Porter received noms.