NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Angelica Ross is a multifaceted actress, entrepreneur, and trans activist, best known for her roles in the Ryan Murphy FX shows "Pose" and "American Horror Story."
Her journey into the limelight is one marked by resilience and a commitment to advocating for the transgender community. It's because of this that Ross, 44, has become an influential figure in both the entertainment industry and the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Her portrayal of Candy Ferocity in "Pose," a show that centers around New York City's 1980s and 1990s ball culture, exploring themes of race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identity resonated with viewers for its depth, emotion, and unapologetic portrayal of queer joy.
"I did not know how to let go and let the cameras see me, when so much of my life was just trying to pass, but I was so prepared by the time 'Pose' came around," said Ross, who moderated a Q&A with influencer Tony Talks and the cast of his new film "Boss Up: The Musical," streaming on Revry, at the Out on Film LGBTQ+ Festival in Atlanta last month.
Her role also helped highlight the experiences of transgender women, and allowed her to be a visible advocate for trans representation in Hollywood.
"Its really important that we have our own platforms. As someone who is unmistakably Black, but is also full in my queerness and transness, it bothers me when we spend so much time looking for acceptance and representation on platforms that weren't built for us to shine. It's really, really important to have platforms like Revry that focus on LGBTQ content because one thing I've discovered is that we exist everywhere."
Beyond acting, Ross is a fierce advocate for transgender rights and founded the nonprofit organization TransTech Social Enterprises, which helps create economic opportunities for transgender individuals through technology and entrepreneurship.
"When you grow up in the hood, when you grow up in marginalized place, you know there are only so many ways to get out ... and it almost cost me my life," Ross explains. "It was from that mindset that I founded Trans Tech and knew that this could be a blueprint to help other people who were in a difficult transition."
Through her organization, she hopes to provide a platform for trans people to thrive in both their personal and professional lives and bridge the gap between technology and social justice.
"Our organization provides training for everyone. It doesn't matter what your identity is, but we center around Black trans people," Ross added.
Ross has become a symbol of empowerment for trans people everywhere and she hopes that her achievements can become a beacon of hope, for those in marginalized communities.
"I know what it feels like to be underestimated and undervalued and what I want to be for other people, for other Black trans people specifically who see something of themselves in me, I want them to see a reflection and know ... anything you see in me can be yours too."