This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm Ayesha Mill sitting in for Jason Johnson.

It's LGBTQ pride month and while there's been a recent surge in anti-trans laws across the country,

transgender artists like actress Angelica Ross are thriving on stage and on screen

and giving the community new reasons to celebrate.

So what gives me hope is understanding that someone like me has been able to gain access

to a power that in my eyes cannot be taken away.

Actress and activist Angelica Ross coming up on a word.

Stay with us.

Welcome to a word, a podcast about race and politics and everything else.

I'm Ayesha Mill sitting in for host Jason Johnson.

There's long been a debate about whether the LGBTQ community should focus on celebration

or activism during Pride Month.

Today we're happy to speak with someone who embodies both.

Actress Angelica Ross has broken barriers and Hollywood and on Broadway,

where she recently starred as Roxy Heart, the lead in the long-running musical Chicago.

That performance made history, with Ross becoming the first openly transgender actress

to headline a Broadway show.

But perhaps Ross is best known for her groundbreaking role as Candy in the television series

pose, a drama about queer people of color in 1980s and 90s New York City.

You have no idea what it's like.

How different it is to live this life when you look like you.

Have your money.

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