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MTV premieres <em>Laverne Cox presents: The T Word</em>

Johannesburg - MTV (DStv channel 130) is to spotlight issues faced by transgender youth in Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word on Monday 24 November at 21:15 CAT (repeats: Wednesday 26 November at 1:15 CAT and Sunday 30 November at 18:10 CAT).

Hosted and executive produced by Emmy-nominated actress and transgender advocate Laverne Cox, the one-hour documentary takes viewers inside the lives of seven transgender youth. Ranging in age from 12 to 24, and hailing from different parts of the USA, each subject shares their determination to live their lives authentically, as the person they are meant to be. With varying levels of parental and social support, the documentary explores the intersection of transgender identities and race through each individual’s journey as they overcome challenges such as coming out, bullying, and anti-transgender violence.

"For many of us, the ‘T’ in LGBT means more than transgender, it also means truth," said Laverne Cox. "The cast members in this documentary are fearlessly living their truths and in sharing their stories will send the message to other trans youth that it’s okay to be who you are."

"Laverne Cox has been a pioneer in bringing transgender issues and stories into the national spotlight, and we are proud to work with her on this new documentary," said Stephen Friedman, President of MTV and Logo TV. "Every young person struggles to define their identity, but for transgender people that struggle is magnified. The T Word shows how challenging it can be – and how inspiring it is when people discover themselves and truly live their authentic lives."

The documentary profiles:

- Ari, an 18-year-old man from Manhattan, who graduated from high school and is starting college.
- Avery, a 20-year-old woman from Queens, New York, who shares her experiences dating.
- Daniella, a 20-year-old woman from the Bronx, New York, who speaks out against anti-transgender violence.
- Kye, a 24-year-old man in Brooklyn, New York, who became the first Division One transgender basketball player.
- L’lerret, a 20-year-old woman attending college in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she is an active member of BreakOUT!, a group fighting criminalization of transgender youth.
- Shane, a 22-year-old man from Baltimore, Maryland and a college student living with his girlfriend.
- Zoey, a 12-year-old girl from California, who is supported by her mother and transferred out of her last school when the school administrators refused to acknowledge her as a girl.

Watch the trailer here:


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