Mj Rodriguez Makes Emmy History as First Trans Person Nominated in a Lead Acting Category

This morning, the nominees for the 73rd Annual Emmy Awards were revealed, with historic nominations for FX’s POSE. Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as Blanca, Billy Porter was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance as Pray Tell, and POSE was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series.

GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis reacted to the news with the following statement:

“Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez’s Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series is a breakthrough for transgender women in Hollywood, and a long-overdue recognition for her groundbreaking performance over the past three seasons of POSE,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Additionally, the show’s nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, as well as Billy Porter’s third nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, mark a historic show that undoubtedly raised the bar for trans representation on television and changed the way viewers around the world understand the trans community. As over 40 leading LGBTQ organizations pointed out in our open letter about POSE to Emmy Award voters, representation matters. Congratulations, Michaela Jaé, Billy Porter, and the entire POSE team – the world is standing with you and applauding your talents.”

In June, GLAAD released an open letter signed by 40 leading LGBTQ organizations encouraging Emmy Award voters to show their support for POSE, and specifically for the transgender and nonbinary actors – Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, Hailie Sahar, and Angelica Ross – who lead the groundbreaking show.

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