GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, has released an open letter signed by 40 leading LGBTQ organizations encouraging Emmy Award voters to show their support with 10's across the board for the groundbreaking FX series, Pose, co-created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Steven Canals.
The letter specifically asks that the show's transgender and nonbinary actors – Mj Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, Hailie Sahar, and Angelica Ross – who lead the groundbreaking show, are voted for.
Pose not only transformed the landscape of transgender representation in Hollywood — it educated the nation and the world on who transgender people are and what issues they struggle with on a daily basis.
While Billy Porter became the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy for his performance in POSE, and although the show also received a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series in its first season, more recognition is merited now, states the letter.
The letter says: “not only are these performances in this Peabody Award, AFI Award, and GLAAD Media Award-winning show of the highest caliber, but voting for POSE would signal that many of the issues the show so poignantly addresses – transphobia, homophobia, racism, homelessness, poverty, violence against the trans community, Black and brown queer voices, and the AIDS epidemic – very much matter."
According to the letter, never before have the largest national LGBTQ organizations - along with the four largest North American LGBTQ film festivals - come together to pen an open letter in support of a single series' worthiness for recognition at the Emmy Awards.
From the beautifully crafted storylines to the remarkable cast performances, POSE broke new ground for transgender inclusion both in front of and behind the camera, leaving behind a legacy that will change the future of trans representation on television. In its final season, TV Academy voters must acknowledge the importance of telling and recognizing diverse storytelling, which includes the performances of trans people of color who have been overlooked for far too long.
GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis
About GLAAD:
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.