Transgender advocate and actress Laverne Cox to speak at Grand Valley State University.

On Tuesday March 18, from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Grand Valley State University will welcome Laverne Cox to its downtown campus for “Ain't I a Woman: My Journey to Womanhood.”  In her speech, Cox will discuss how the intersections of race, class and gender uniquely affect the lives of trans women of color. Cox will delve into her own personal story, and how these issues have affected her own journey through life. 

Cox is an actress, writer, producer and transgender advocate. She is most known for her role as Sophia Burset in the Netflix original series, “Orange is the New Black.”

The event is cosponsored by the GVSU Student Senate, Triota (Women and Gender Studies Honors Society), Black Student Union, the Women's Center, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the LGBT Resource Center, the Division of Inclusion and Equity and the Women and Gender Studies Department.

“The most exciting part about Laverne Cox coming to Grand Valley for students is her fame. We are hoping that her popularity from "Orange is the New Black" will help draw in a wider audience than would normally participate in an event about the life experience of a transgender women. I personally am excited for her to come because she is a powerful speaker who will stand up for her convictions. As an activist with a lot of popularity she truly has the power to make an impact and she has already begun to prove her dedication to speaking up,” says Danielle Meirow, President of Triota.

“Ain't I a Woman” will take place in Grand Valley's Eberhard building in Room 215. The event is free and open to the public. Due to the expectation of a large audience, it is advised that those interested in attending arrive early.