Mj Rodriguez made Emmys history with her recent lead actress nomination for her role as Blanca Evangelista on Pose, becoming the first transgender woman to be recognized in a lead acting category at the ceremony. Now, Mj could be making history once again if she wins at Sunday’s Emmys. Ahead of the award show, Mj attended TV Academy’s annual pre-Emmy party on Friday, where she celebrated her historic nod.
“I want to constantly keep making history. I want to be at the front of change.”
“I just want to constantly keep making that change,” Mj told Variety‘s Marc Malkin on the red carpet. “I want to constantly keep making history. I want to be at the front of change . . . I am testimony that it is possible. There’s no excuses. The door is wide open and you can run right through it. There’s no crack. There’s no slipping in.” The actress also revealed that she already has a speech written in case she wins and that her Pose costars Billy Porter and Indya Moore have been texting her all weekend. “I’m glad that people in my life can come and celebrate this moment with me. It’s big.”
Not only is Mj’s Emmy nod historic, but it’s also her first time being nominated at the ceremony. “I’m excited. I’m lifted. I’m thankful. I’m humbled and I’m grateful,” she told People. “I feel like this moment in time has never ever happened for a girl like myself and I feel like it’s time and it’s time to keep showing up. It doesn’t stop here.” Win or lose, Mj is opening doors for more transgender representation in Hollywood.