Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Will Immortalize Laverne Cox

Actress and transgender advocate Laverne Cox is set to make history in a way that she might never have considered. Ms. Cox will soon be forever immortalized in wax, thanks to Madame Tussaud. Becoming the first transgender wax figure, Laverne Cox’s likeness will premiere on July 26 at San Francisco’s annual Pride Festival.

While Madame Tussauds wax museums are renowned for creating lifelike wax replicas of historical figures, celebrities, and athletes, the chain of museums has never before featured a transgender person in one of its exhibits in its 200 year history.

Earlier today, Beth Schnitzer, a spokesperson for Madame Tussauds, released a statement reflecting the enthusiasm for which the company has in featuring Ms. Cox.

“Madame Tussauds is proud to recognize Laverne Cox’s achievements, reflecting the San Francisco Pride 2015 theme of equality without exception and underpinning Madame Tussauds tradition of celebrating and reflecting contemporary society and the people who shape cultural landscape around the world regardless of race, creed, gender, sexuality.”

Laverne expressed sentiments that show the feelings of being “deeply honored” extend in both directions, when Ms. Cox responded to the announcement that she would be making history with Madame Tussauds.

“When I think about being who I am, a black trans woman from a working class background raised in Mobile, Alabama, this honor feels even more improbable and extraordinary. I hope that this will be a source of inspiration for everyone who encounters it to believe that their dreams matter and are possible.”

Although the honor never seems to be lost on Laverne, Ms. Cox is no stranger to breaking barriers or for setting historically significant records. Last year, Laverne made history for being the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy Award for her role in Orange is the New Black. Ms. Cox also set records last year by appearing on the cover of Time magazine accompanied by a feature article in which Laverne spoke about her family and about growing into a leadership role within the transgender community.

More recently, Laverne applauded Caitlyn Jenner’s courage for coming out so publicly and boldly. While Ms. Cox admired Caitlyn’s beauty, she said in her blog that she hoped people would begin to look past the appearances of transgender women and pay more attention to who they are as people.

“Yes, Caitlyn looks amazing and is beautiful but what I think is most beautiful about her is her heart and soul, the ways she has allowed the world into her vulnerabilities.”

[Featured image: Laverne Cox courtesy of Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Logo TV]