I don’t think I’ve seen anyone point it out yet, if this is redundant forgive me, but I found it really refreshing that the casting directors of Inventing Anna cast Laverne Cox in a normal role, having nothing to do with her being trans. I’ve watched her in Orange is the New Black, and she was of course phenomenal and I loved her trans storyline in OINTB.

I think the media has historically only cast trans actors/actresses in roles that are comical, satirical, or in trans roles, so something about seeing a trans woman being cast for a regular female role was refreshing to me. There was no mention of Kacy being trans, they showed her as a loyal friend, a successful celebrity trainer, with a normal love life. It feels like a step forward for the trans community, and it makes me happy to see a show recognize trans women for what they are: women, professionals, and real people with real lives just like the rest of us.

Could the writing use some help? Sure, but it definitely feels like a step in the right direction.