Laverne Cox on Caitlyn Jenner's Vanity Fair Spread: 'We Need Diverse Media Representations of Trans Folks'

Caitlin Jenner and Laverne Cox, breaking new ground

Transgender “Orange is the New Black” actress Laverne Cox said she was immensely moved by the enthusiastic reception of Caitlin Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover, but stressed that it’s Jenner’s soul and extraordinary inner strength that should be celebrated over her appearance.

“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,” Cox wrote in a Tumblr post. “The love and devotion she has for her family and that they have for her. Her courage to move past denial into her truth so publicly. These things are beyond beautiful to me.”

She’s not implying that the public response would have been any less charitable if Jenner wasn’t such a knockout as a woman — but one has to wonder.

See video: Fox's Neil Cavuto Mocks Caitlyn Jenner's Reveal: 'Rome, Final Days'

“A year ago when my Time magazine cover came out I saw posts from many trans folks saying that I am ‘drop dead gorgeous,’ and that doesn’t represent most trans people,” Cox wrote. “There are many trans folks because of genetics and/or lack of material access who will never be able to embody these standards. More importantly many trans folks don’t want to embody them and we shouldn’t have to to be seen as ourselves and respected as ourselves.”

Jenner, a former Olympian and reality star, has no doubt become a trans icon since declaring herself a woman on 20/20 in April, but Cox argues will never represent the community as a whole. Although their publicity has served as a huge stepping stone for national acceptance, neither she or Jenner will be enough.

Also read: Obama Praises Caitlyn Jenner's 'Courage' Despite Twitter Follower Defeat

“I have always been aware that I can never represent all trans people. No one or two or three trans people can,” Cox wrote. “This is why we need diverse media representations of trans folks.”

The Transformation of Caitlyn Jenner: From Olympic Gold Medalist to Vanity Fair Trans Cover Star (Photos)

Caitlyn was born Bruce Jenner was born on October 28, 1949 in Mount Kisco, New York. She earned a football scholarship to Graceland College, but a knee injury stopped her from pursuing it. Then, she veered towards decathlon and graduated in 1973 with a degree in physical education.
Where are they now – Bruce Jenner by Fan Fuego
At the Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada, in 1976, Jenner placed first in the decathlon, setting the world record of 8,616 points and seen here crossing the finish line.
Where are they now – Bruce Jenner by Fan Fuego
In 1976, Jenner was awarded the James E. Sullivan award presented to the "outstanding amateur athlete in the United States."
Where are they now – Bruce Jenner by Fan Fuego
Jenner speaking at the 2001 Service America Awards Presentation Ceremony on June 11.
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Jenner took part in the Celebrities Race to Make Dreams Come True in August 23, 2003.
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Jenner and her two daughters, Kendall and Kyle, at the film premiere of the "Teacher's Pet" on January 12, 2004.
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Jenner and now ex-wife Kris at the HollyRods Designcure 7th Annual Benefit on July 9, 2005.
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Jenner at the 2006 ESPY Awards on July 12.
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Jenner and family at the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" premiere on Oct. 9, 2007.
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Jenner and family at the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" Season 2 Launch on March 19, 2008.
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Jenner attended the event where Lamar Odom launched Rich Soil at Kitson LA on October 21, 2009.
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Jenner and ex-wife Kris at the Endless Youth & Life Store Opening Celebration, November 11, 2010.
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Jenner with ex-wife Kris at the City of Hope Honors Shelli and Irving Azoff with the 2011 Spirit of Life Award event on May 7, 2011.
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Jenner at the 5th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic on May 7, 2012.
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Jenner at the Annual Charity Day Hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC on September 11, 2013. Here, Jenner looks younger, and is sporting a longer hair do.
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At the time, this was one of the most highly-talked about photos of Jenner, taken in January of 2014. Here, she was seen wearing a bandage around her throat, which many speculated was because she had her Adam's apple reduced.
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Jenner at the 13th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Gala on April 4, 2014.
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The former Olympian introduced herself as Caitlyn Jenner in an exclusive cover shoot for the July 2015 issue of Vanity Fair magazine.
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The athlete formerly known as Bruce underwent dramatic changes to both her public image and physical appearance leading up to the announcement of her transition

Caitlyn was born Bruce Jenner was born on October 28, 1949 in Mount Kisco, New York. She earned a football scholarship to Graceland College, but a knee injury stopped her from pursuing it. Then, she veered towards decathlon and graduated in 1973 with a degree in physical education.

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