Laverne Cox presents “Transcendent,” in conversation with dr. Melanie Bryant

Presented by Mayor Brandon Scott, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, and the Mayor's Office of Arts Culture & Entertainment

Four-time Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox shares her journey as a transgender woman in Hollywood, confronting childhood trauma, shame, gender identity, her transition, body image issues, her search for romantic love, deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, and ultimately, healing.

Laverne Cox is a powerhouse in the fight for transgender rights and representation—but her path from a struggling trans actress to a cultural movement was anything but easy.

Surviving a childhood full of trauma, dealing with depression, and working at a drag restaurant in New York City for seven years, Laverne was turning forty and felt it was time to throw in the towel when it came to being a Hollywood star—then she booked the character of Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black. Her world changed overnight.

She made history as the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy, starred in a range of high-profile shows, and became the first transgender person to win a Daytime Emmy as executive producer on Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word. A red-carpet fashion icon, podcast host, and fearless advocate, she uses her stardom to champion LGBTQ+ rights, whether on Hollywood’s biggest stages, her personal channels, or at Supreme Court hearings. And she’s only getting started.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is an Emmy-winning actress, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate best known for her role as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black, which made her the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Born in Mobile, Alabama, she studied at the Alabama School of Fine Arts before pursuing acting in New York City. Cox has been a trailblazer for transgender representation in media, using her platform to advocate for trans rights and visibility. She made history again as the first transgender person to win a Daytime Emmy as an executive producer for Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word. Beyond acting, she is a sought-after speaker and activist, working to challenge discrimination and promote inclusivity. She is also host of her own podcast by iHeartRadio and Shondaland: The Laverne Cox Show. She resides in New York City.

Melanie Bryant

With over 15 years of dynamic leadership in social work, public health, and community-based advocacy, Dr. Bryant brings a powerful blend of expertise in African-centered and gerontological practice, ex-offender reentry, social justice, addictions, and culturally grounded policy development.

Dr. Bryant is the founder and CEO of Ujima Consulting Group, LLC, where she has successfully led over 30 non-profit organizations in raising more than $10 million through strategic fundraising and grant development. A visionary strategist, she has held prominent leadership roles including Executive Director of the Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, where she launched “The Hub,” a groundbreaking safe space for BIPOC LGBTQIA+ individuals, and National Program Director of the National Association of Black Social Workers, where she advanced racial equity through policy advocacy and coalition building.

Her academic credentials include a B.A. in Psychology from Albright College, and both an MSW and Ph.D. in Social Work from Widener University, with her doctoral research focused on culturally centered foster parent training. A respected educator, she serves as an adjunct faculty member at Widener University, West Chester University, and Rutgers University, teaching courses in social policy, economic justice, and community social work practice.

Dr. Bryant’s career has been marked by a consistent focus on addressing the systemic inequities impacting Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities. From her early work in gun violence prevention and youth advocacy to her groundbreaking research and advocacy for culturally responsive foster care, she has championed the voices and needs of marginalized populations.

A native of Philadelphia, Dr. Bryant brings to Baltimore a deep passion for equity, community empowerment, and intersectional inclusion. She is honored to continue her journey of advocacy and leadership in service to the diverse and resilient LGBTQ+ community of Baltimore.