The stars of FX’s hit show #Pose are speaking out against the Emmys, claiming Black Trans actors are being snubbed.
On Tuesday, the list of Emmy nominees were all announced. Rachel Brosnahan, Ted Danson, Issa Rae, Meryl Streep, and more were just some of the names listed on the ballot. Billy Porter was also one of the contenders. However, none of his co-stars were nominated despite the exceptional performances that have been witnessed on the series in its three seasons. Because of that, Pose stars Angelica Ross and Indya Moore are speaking out against the Television Academy for failing to recognize and or blatantly ignoring Transgender actors.
“Pose” takes place in the 1980s, and details the life of New York City’s Black and Latinx LGBTQ ballroom scene. A community and culture that is finally being amplified and respected today. However, Moore pointed out the irony in how no Trans actresses were nominated on a show that literally is about them and their life. “Something abt trans ppl not being honored on a show abt trans ppl who created a culture to honor ourselves bc the world doesn’t,” tweeted Moore, who plays “Angel Evangelista” on the show. “Let’s call it cognitive dissonance.”
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She continued, “But also, look at the weak ass promotion. Most of us have never been on any talk shows except MJ, here and there,” Moore said in another tweet, in response to a fan who claimed the Emmys only votes for “names they know.” Ross, who plays “Candy Ferocity” on the show, also shared her disappointment with the Academy. “I want you to know from the jump that these tears are not about an award or a nomination,” said Ross. “Ultimately, I need y’all to understand that I’m so tired — those of you who know me know I’m not just working on screen or behind screen, but I’m working around the clock to get our society to value trans lives and Black trans lives.”
Aside from being actresses, Moore and Ross are heavily committed to social change. Moore was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in 2019 and has garnered a large following for her modeling, acting, directing, and social activism. Ross is the CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises, an organization that helps transgender people seek employment in the tech industry. She also had executive produced other Emmy-nominated shows that focus on Transgender stories like #KingEster.
