Pose and American Horror Story star Angelica Ross has taken to social media to share her endorsement of Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Ross’ endorsement reflects a significant change, as she had previously leveled harsh criticism against Harris.
Following her opening remarks last September as hostess of the LGBTQ Presidential Forum, Ross pulled Harris away from the crowd to further discuss her record. Now, the actress has gone public with the details of that conversation.
“In this conversation and several following this one,” wrote Ross on Instagram, “I called @kamalaharris in to talk about her record on trans people and sex workers and non-violent offenders. She acknowledged her role in collaborating with the state that destroyed many Black lives and shared the moment she realized how she could use her position to change the system while still protecting us from violent offenders, especially those most vulnerable to domestic and intimate partner violence.”
Related: Trans actress Angelica Ross quits Twitter after vicious attacks from Bernie Sanders supporters
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“I talked about trans women being out in men’s prisons and with men in ICE detention centers,” Ross continued. “I spoke on the need to decriminalize sex work to empower both cis and trans women. This was not just a photo-op for me, this was an opportunity to truly speak truth to power. The ripple effect of this moment is evidence to me that I can indeed effect change. We all can.”
“You are the right choice for this moment,” Ross wrote in another post. “I’m with you @kamalaharris. From our 1-on-1 talks you know I’m here to support as well as hold you accountable as you’ve invited me to do. THANK YOU! Now let’s focus on BOTH the work to be done NOW for #BreonnaTaylor & come November!”
In a separate Twitter post, Ross also revealed that she’d confronted Harris about one of the darkest spots on her record. As California Attorney General, she had once denied gender-affirming surgery to two prison inmates.
YES! I asked @KamalaHarris about this specifically and her detailed response told me that she is here for trans liberation. She explained when working for the state she was assigned cases to prosecute. When she learned what was going on she used her position to change things. https://t.co/bNW8MNqG4M
— Angelica Ross (@angelicaross) November 26, 2019
“I asked @KamalaHarris about this specifically,” Ross tweeted, “and her detailed response told me that she is here for trans liberation. She explained when working for the state she was assigned cases to prosecute. When she learned what was going on she used her position to change things.”
Though transgender activists like Ross have fairly criticized Kamala Harris for her record on certain trans issues, Harris’ over-all record shows her to be a strong ally of the LGBTQ community. As California Attorney General, she refused to defend Proposition 8 in court, and as a Senator, pushed to allow trans people to use the bathroom of their gender identity. While serving in the Senate, Harris co-sponsored the Equality Act, which would extend civil rights protections to LGBTQ people nationwide, and the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2018. Subsequent to her conversations with Ross, Harris has also advocated decriminalization of sex work.
Kangol2
I did not know about this conversation but it’s refreshing to read about Ross’s thoughts and comments, and to learn that Senator (VP) Harris listened and offered real support and a commitment to change and do better. That’s what we need now, not the utter incompetent, treasonous insanity in the White House right now.
Jim
I find discussion of the Democratic nominees position on issues and past performance somewhat interesting.
Is there really a choice?
Vote for some imperfect person who believes in a government; of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Or vote for a narcissist who’s ineptitude is leading us down the road to authoritarianism and the demise of our nation.
JessPH
And why would Ross’ endorsement matter?
DarkZephyr
I think her detailed explanation for trans voters will matter greatly for them even if your concerns happen to extend only to yourself.
Cam
Queerty’s headlines seem to be running with an agenda. Recently there was the headline claiming that the mayor of Chicago called out “White Gays” when she did no such thing. And now there is this headline.
“Angelica Ross confronted Kamala Harris about her record; here’s her takeaway.”. Which seems to read as if there was a confrontation and not a resolution. Instead the headline could have mentioned that they came to an agreement, or that the positions changed after communication.
Yooper
Nope, sorry Angelica, you’re not going to hijack the VP candidate and hitch her onto your publicity seeking self. Go back to caviling about Pose not winning every possible Emmy. The focus is on November and winning an election, not your agenda.