Laverne Cox, the transgender activist and actress best known for her role on Orange Is The New Black, has become the first transgender person in history to grace the cover of Time magazine. 

Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox has become the first trans person in history to appear on the cover of Time.

Cox discussed numerous aspects of her life including her childhood, family and how America responds to trans people. Cox was born in Mobile, Alabama and described wanting to be "creative" from an early age, taking dance classes and performing. Cox also discussed the moment she was forced to confront her physical identity when in third grade (at the age of 8) a teacher warned her mother 'Your son is going to end up in New Orleans wearing a dress.' 

Cox's mother and late grandmother were initially unsupportive of her decision to live as a woman and Cox' mother went so far as to force Cox to go to a therapist. However, Cox's independence and sheer strength of character appear to have carried her through the ordeals she endured as a child including a suicide attempt after the death of her grandmother. Cox has a male twin who is evidently supportive of her decision as he has appeared as Cox's character, Sophia, before gender reassignment surgery on Orange Is The New Black. 

Read More: Laverne Cox To Produce Transgender Documentary.

Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox described growing up and her childhood experiences.

Cox added some advice to the footage of her photo shoot and stated that, whilst she isn't "representative [of] the entirety of the trans gender community," we must all be "willing to let go of what preconceptions we may have of people who are different from us and taking people on their word." She advised many of the people uncomfortable with the concept of identifying the correct terminology for members of the trans and LGBT community to "'Calm down. Relax. It's okay. Who is this individual right in front of you?'" She added "When it comes to terms, trans or gender-nonconforming are two great terms that can encompass a variety of different experiences.

As to the future of the rights of trans people, Cox said the "Trans movement and LGBT movement has to be a social justice movement where we look a issues of race and class and phobia in general."

Read More: Laverne Cox Recalls Childhood Bullying.

Cox tweeted the news and thanked Time for "this lovely b'day present, a cover story to highlight the profound issues trans people face every day." She also added a picture of the cover in which she stands boldly against a white background.