Variety magazine has released its first ever 'Trans Hollywood' issue, pushing for greater acceptance and representation in Hollywood.
As part of the groundbreaking issue, the magazine produced an actors' roundtable and cover story featuring trans actors and activists Laverne Cox, Chaz Bono, Alexandra Billings, Brian Michael, Jen Richards, and Trace Lysette.
Variety also published an open letter from LGBTIQ+ rights organisation GLAAD and Time’s Up offshoot 50/50 by 2020.
The letter reads: “We believe that we are at an unprecedented cultural moment - a moment when we can ask Hollywood to use its power to improve the lives of trans people by changing America’s understanding about who trans people are."
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It continues: “We want to help you tell our rich and diverse stories, and we need your help to do it. This is about more than diversity and inclusion. This is about empowering trans people and sharing with us the tools and access that have been offered to you throughout your career.”
The open letter, which was endorsed by 48 signatories, including production companies like JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot and Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland, concludes with: "We know Hollywood is a business as well as a creative community. We are not asking you to stop making money."
"We are asking to be brought to the table, so that our knowledge, talent and stories can help improve your work and increase its value."
