Laverne Cox Says Writing Her Memoir Forced Her to Confront ‘a Lot of Unprocessed Trauma’ (Exclusive)

Laverne Cox, the acclaimed actress known for her role in “Orange Is the New Black,” has recently released her first memoir, titled “Transcendent.” Published on June 9 by Gallery Books, the memoir showcases her remarkable career and offers an intimate glimpse into her past. The launch coincided with discussions about her life at the inaugural A Sense of Home NYC Gala, where she reflected on the process of writing her book.

In an interview with PEOPLE at the gala held on September 23, Cox, 54, candidly described how the book’s creation compelled her to address unresolved trauma from her childhood. Though her professional journey is notable, becoming the first openly transgender person to receive an Emmy nomination, her personal history remains a significant aspect of her narrative.

Cox shared insights from her therapeutic journey, stating, “What my therapist told me after reading the book is that there’s much trauma that we have yet to process.” She acknowledged that despite her progress, there were still layers of trauma to confront. “Trauma sort of lives in the body and has to be processed out and through,” she noted, emphasising the importance of healing.

The actress elaborated on the dichotomy of her writing experience, acknowledging that while the process was arduous, its positive reception has been immensely rewarding. “Every aspect of writing, editing, recording the book was kind of torturous, but the beautiful gift of the book is how it is being received and how readers are finding themselves in the story,” Cox expressed. This emotional connection with readers has been especially poignant for her.

Cox recounted a particularly moving interaction with a young queer individual who reached out to her on Instagram. This young person expressed how the audio version of Cox’s memoir had become a source of comfort and guidance, stating, “I’ve listened to the audio version of your book six times and it has become my north star.” This feedback left Cox feeling profoundly touched, as it reinforced the impact of her work.

“My commitment was to try to tell the truth — the unvarnished truth,” Cox explained about her writing philosophy. She aimed not only to recount her experiences but also to illustrate the lessons learned along the way. The memoir serves as a testament to the possibility of healing amidst a backdrop of trauma and adversity.

Additionally, Cox spoke about her personal involvement with A Sense of Home, an organisation focused on addressing housing insecurity. “Over the years, I’ve done a lot of advocacy work for LGBTQ youth specifically who experience homelessness,” she pointed out. Her gratitude was apparent as she acknowledged the efforts of philanthropic organisations that are filling in the gaps left by governmental support.

The conversation also touched on the overarching theme of resilience present in her life story. Reflecting on her childhood, Cox remarked, “Writing this book brought back all the traumatic, awful shaming from my childhood. But there was also a very resilient child.” Her emphasis on resilience suggests a belief that even in the face of adversity, individuals can find strength and purpose, a message that resonates deeply with her audience.

As she continues her advocacy and artistic pursuits, Laverne Cox remains a powerful voice for change and self-acceptance. The release of “Transcendent” not only marks a new chapter in her career but also serves as an invitation for readers to explore their own journeys of healing and resilience. Through her candid storytelling, Cox is fostering a sense of community and understanding, proving that sharing one’s truth can have a transformative effect—not just for the writer, but for others navigating similar struggles.