‘Orange is the New Black’ star Selenis Levya opens up about transgender sister

Selenis Levya or more famously known as the tough Latina chef Gloria in Orange is the New Black opens up about her relationship with her transgender sister.

When the Caitlyn Jenner Vanity Fair cover came out, Levya could not have been happier.

She tells Huffington Post that “I am a sister to a beautiful and kind young transgender woman.” And the fact that so many people gave their support for Jenner made Levya hopeful that the world would become an easier place for her sister.

“My sister is not famous, in fact she is having a hard time finding employment to this date. She is still struggling to be accepted, and she is still in danger every time she leaves her home. “

Still, she knows that the fight for transgender equality has only begun.

Levya is also thankful for co-star Laverne Cox’s work in the transgender community and regards her as another sister. “I love her,” says Levya.

Her relationship with these two women made it difficult for her character to become enemies with Cox in the show, reports People

“I felt a little weirded out have to get so ugly. I had to say things and go to a place that I fight on a daily basis to make sure that my sister doesn’t receive.”

But she knew that it would help to make people understand the struggles that transgender people still face.

“I had to trust that it was going to be done in a way to educate instead of foster hate,” commented Levya. “And it worked out.”

Credit: Kristin Callahan/ACE/INFphoto.com

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