Laverne Cox Has Just Become Cosmo's First Ever Openly Trans Cover Star
When Cosmopolitan became the magazine we know now back in the '70s, its aim was to revolutionise the way that women felt about themselves - especially their sexuality - during the rise of second wave feminism. It's previous 90 years in circulation was dull and people were bored by the magazine, and it's decision to rebrand to become a frank-talking publication that discussed women's issues and sexual liberation was the best thing that could've ever happened to it. Even in the present day, Cosmo is known for being the women's glossy monthly that has the most salacious gossip and articles surrounding sex and female sexuality. There are currently 64 worldwide editions of the magazine published monthly, and despite American Cosmo being the most circulated edition, it's South Africa that's shattering a new glass ceiling.
Known as Cosmopolitan SA, the South African edition of the women's monthly has made Laverne Cox their latest issue's cover star, something that no other Cosmo has done before. Until now, no openly trans model or celebrity has ever been featured on the cover of the magazine, and to feature Laverne - not only an incredibly talented actress, but a hardworking activist for LGBTQA+ rights - on the February issue's cover is a great win not only for the magazine, but for the trans community.
Taking to Instagram, Laverne said she was 'so honoured and proud' to feature on the cover as she shared the cover to her 2.8m followers. She then went on, in a second post, to shout out several trans influencers, as well as mentioning Beverly Johnson, the first black woman to grace the cover of Cosmo:
“42 years ago this month [Beverly Johnson] became the first black woman to appear on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine. Thanks Ms. Johnson for paving the way for all of the black women who have followed you over the years on Cosmo covers. Thanks to trans models like [Lea T], [Andreja Pejic], [Hari Nef], [Valentina Sampaio], [Geena Rocero], [Tracey Africa], and more who are changing beauty standards and breaking barriers for trans folks on the covers of fashion magazines all over the world.”
The February #SayYesToLove issue called focuses on issues within the LGBTQA+ community, and inside features 17 other allies and activists, which in itself is something that other Cosmo editions should learn from, given that the majority of space that the title offers caters to straight, cis-gender women.
With yet another incredible milestone now under Laverne Cox's belt, it leads us to wonder if there's anything this girl can't do?!
