Laverne Cox Memoir "Transcendent" Explores Childhood Trauma

Laverne Cox's memoir, "Transcendent," published this week, recounts her difficult childhood in Mobile, Alabama, marked by early expressions of gender nonconformity and severe parental backlash. Cox, who was raised as a boy, describes finding solace in imaginative play, using a geisha-decorated fan as a prop for dancing and reenacting scenes from "Gone With the Wind," casting herself as Scarlett O’Hara. This early exploration of her identity led to significant conflict with her teacher, Mrs. Ridgeway, and her mother, Gloria.

Mrs. Ridgeway publicly shamed Cox for her effeminate behavior, comparing him to a boy who ended up on the streets of New Orleans wearing a dress. This incident prompted Cox's mother to react with anger, using homophobic slurs and enrolling Cox in conversion therapy. The memoir details how this therapy, though ultimately unsuccessful in changing Cox's identity, reinforced a deep-seated belief that something was fundamentally wrong with him and that he was unlovable. The profound impact of this rejection led Cox to attempt suicide at the age of eleven.

"Transcendent" chronicles Cox's journey from these traumatic experiences to becoming a prominent actor and activist. The book is characterized by its eloquence and defiance, offering a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity. Cox's story highlights the lasting effects of childhood trauma and the resilience required to forge an identity against societal and familial pressures. The memoir serves as a testament to Cox's strength and her success in navigating a challenging path to self-acceptance and public recognition.