Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"The greatest thing about having a twin brother at this point is that there was someone else who was there who can confirm that I'm not crazy and that I'm not misremembering, right? 'Cause I think that like sometimes, not that my mother's intentionally trying to gaslight me, I think a lot of it is that she, I think if she remembered some of the things she did and said, she might not be able to live with herself." — Laverne Cox
"The reality is that all of us have a little child inside of us who needs nurturing. And that for far too long, I abandoned that girl. I abandoned that little girl inside me." — Laverne Cox
"We have to get used to being treated well and loved on. And it's not about money, it's about care." — Laverne Cox
The episode features a deeply personal and insightful conversation between host Alex Cooper and guest Laverne Cox. Cox shares her experiences growing up in the South, detailing the impact of intergenerational trauma within her family and the emotional abuse she endured. She highlights the significance of her twin brother as a witness to her childhood memories and the complex relationship she has with her mother, emphasizing the importance of understanding familial histories to foster healing. The discussion then shifts to Cox's journey of self-acceptance, particularly her embrace of her femininity and identity as a Black transgender woman. She recounts early experiences of bullying and the racial and gender-based slurs she faced, underscoring the resilience required to navigate such challenges.
The conversation moves into the realm of modern dating, with both Cooper and Cox sharing their extensive experiences with dating apps and relationships. Cox offers advice on dating, emphasizing the need for self-awareness, setting clear expectations, and recognizing one's own worth. She discusses the evolution of her dating preferences, moving from men who treated her poorly to those who offer genuine care and respect. Both hosts stress the importance of self-love and therapy as foundational elements for healthy relationships, advocating for a shift from accepting "crumbs" to demanding consistent and abundant affection. They also touch upon the challenges faced by trans individuals in dating and the importance of clear communication regarding identity.
Towards the end, Cox articulates her broader mission: to foster empathy and understanding for the transgender community by sharing her humanity. She discusses the concept of privilege, not as an absence of struggle, but as a lack of having to consider certain societal barriers. Cox also reflects on accountability and the importance of focusing on behavior rather than labeling individuals, drawing parallels to historical injustices. The episode concludes with Cox discussing her artistic endeavors, including her music video and its thematic explorations, reiterating her commitment to authenticity and self-expression.