Laverne Cox’s Emmys Appearance Made a Huge Statement for Trans Rights

It's Emmy Award night and before the stars can take home those coveted trophies they have to take on the purple carpet. One of the first up tonight: Laverne Cox, who decided to use fashion as a conversation starter.

Cox is nominated for the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series category for the final season of Orange is the New Black. After receiving three nominations for her performance on the Netflix series, Cox has said she is more than ready to become the first transgender actress to take home an Emmy. But on the purple carpet she decided to say something else.

Cox wore a tiered Monsoori gown, complete with a shoulder ruffle, as well as a full, lilac skirt. But what was more powerful was what she brought with her: an acrylic clutch as well as her guest, lawyer and activist Chase Strangio.

The bag, which was designed by Cox herself, and made in collaboration with Edie Park says "October 8" and "Title VII Supreme Court." As she, and Strangio explained on the carpet, October 8 is an important date in which the Supreme Court will consider federal employment protection for LGBTQ+ employees.

"October 8th everyone should be aware that the [Trump] administration is asking the Supreme Court to make it legal to fire workers just because they're LGBTQ," Strangio, who is a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, said. "This is actually going to transform the lives of LGBTQ people and people who are not LGBTQ, anyone who departs from sex stereotypes including all the faboulous people here for example. So we really need to show up on October 8th and pay attention because our lives are really really on the line."

Cox says she wants everyone to "show their friends and families" about the case and encouraged viewers to use the Twitter hashtag '#RiseUpOct8' to spread awareness.

RELATED | Laverne Cox May Be the First Trans Actor to Win an Emmy