Laverne Cox is best recognized as Sophia, a transgendered inmate and prison hair stylist on Orange Is the New Black. The actress and activist has used her Orange fame as a platform for educating people about the issues faced by transgendered people, speaking on talk shows, in schools and now as part of a new TV documentary.
Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word (7 p.m. Friday, MTV and Logo) follows seven transgendered young people around the country who differ in age, location and background but share many of the same challenges. Viewers will meet 24-year-old Kye Allums, the first transgendered Division I basketball player; 20-year-old L’lerret, a college student involved in New Orleans’ BreakOUT organization; and 12-year-old Zoey, who had to leave her California school when the administration refused to acknowledge her as a girl.
Cox has brought the conversation about transgender rights to the mainstream. By airing this documentary on MTV in addition to Logo (a LGTBQ-geared channel), all types of young people will be in the viewing audience. This is to say that the experiences of those in the doc are not just important to other transgendered people, but all people — especially today’s youth.
At 8 p.m., following the premiere, Cox will join longtime MTV news correspondent SuChin Pak for a “Trans Forum,” where they’ll join the seven subjects to discuss transgender issues and answer questions.
WEDNESDAY OCT. 15
Modern Family (9 p.m., ABC) – The Dunphys relocate to a hotel while the house is treated for mold; Manny starts dating a popular young lady, much to Gloria’s chagrin; Cameron’s team is on a winning streak and he fears Mitchell is a jinx.
blackish (9:30 p.m., ABC) – Dre flourishes as Mr. Mom, but all the praise goes right to his head.
American Horror Story: Freak Show (10 p.m., FX) – This season already has it all: Jessica Lange in David Bowie drag, a Zodiac Killer-clown, sexual healing via lobster claws — the list goes on. This week introduces a fortune teller (Emma Roberts) and her partner in crime (Denis O’Hare), a strong man (Michael Chiklis) and his special lady friend (Angela Bassett). More trouble plagues the camp; the Motts (that creepy mother-son duo) have a run-in with Twisty the Clown.
THURSDAY OCT. 16
Project Runway (Finale Part One, 9 p.m., Lifetime) – Tim Gunn takes the finalists to Rome for fashion inspiration and fabric shopping. The designers begin their Fashion Week collections.
Parenthood (10 p.m., NBC) – Sarah meets Hank’s ex under awkward circumstances; Max experiences his first crush; Zeek recovers post-surgery; Crosby does damage control.
FRIDAY OCT. 17
The Knick (Season Finale, 10 p.m., Cinemax) – Thackery refuses to work with Dr. Zinberg on a blood transfusion procedure, instead attempting to beat his rival to the punch, despite his fragile state. Lucy enlists Bertie’s help; Edwards and Cornelia come to a crossroads.
Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways (Series Premiere, 11 p.m., HBO) – Dave Grohl (who directs) and his crew traveled across America to record eight songs in eight different cities for their eighth album Sonic Highways. The series kicks off in Chicago, where Grohl works with Blues great Buddy Guy, producer Steve Albini and Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen.
SUNDAY OCT. 19
The Simpsons (8 p.m., Fox) – With Halloween around the corner, it’s time for “Treehouse of Horror XXV.” Look out for nods to The Others, A Clockwork Orange and the ghosts of Simpsons past.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (8:30 p.m., Fox) – It’s Halloween again, one of the busiest nights of the year for the precinct. After a tragic turn of events, Gina gets kicked out of Floorgasm!
Boardwalk Empire (9 p.m., HBO) – Two episodes left and the body count rises. Nucky tries to hold down in Atlantic City while at war with Luciano, and Willie and Eli get involved. Gillian writes Nucky from the hospital — expect more flashbacks to her early years.
The Walking Dead (9 p.m., AMC) – Talk about a jaw-dropping, scream-at-your-TV premiere. With little food and weapons, Rick takes on a dangerous mission in hopes of finding supplies. Maybe Morgan can catch up and lead them back to his massive arsenal? Elsewhere, we meet comic character Father Gabriel. Chad L. Coleman (Tyreese) stops by Talking Dead at 10 p.m. along with Matt Jones (Badger from Breaking Bad).
MONDAY OCT. 20
Private Violence (9 p.m., HBO) – This timely documentary premiere explores domestic abuse in America by looking at Deanna Walters, a mother, women’s advocate and spousal abuse survivor.
CONTACT JAC KERN :
jkern@citybeat.com or
@jackern
This article appears in Oct 15-21, 2014.
