Laverne Cox Reveals 90% Loss of Income Due to Trump-Era DEI Rollbacks

Laverne Cox, a pioneering trans advocate, reported a 90% income drop amid DEI rollbacks, citing Trump-era policies as a catalyst. The Los Angeles-based actor and author linked systemic anti-trans discrimination to economic and healthcare losses, warning of broader societal consequences. In a June 15, 2026, interview with *The Guardian*, Cox detailed how shifting political climates have eroded opportunities for trans individuals, even as she emphasized her personal privilege. “If I’m struggling, what about those without my platform?” she asked, highlighting the material impact of policies targeting “gender ideology.”

Why the Income Drop Matters: A National Trend?

Cox’s earnings decline aligns with a 2025 report by the Williams Institute, which found that 68% of trans workers in U.S. states with restrictive DEI policies faced job insecurity. In California, where Cox resides, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups note a 22% drop in grant funding for trans-led organizations since 2023, according to the California Department of Finance. “Trans people are being systematically excluded from economic stability,” said Dr. J. Bryan Lowder, a sociologist at UCLA. “When visibility is weaponized, it creates a feedback loop of marginalization.” The federal Department of Labor’s 2026 data shows a 15% rise in trans workers reporting workplace discrimination, with 40% citing fear of retaliation. Cox’s experience reflects a broader pattern, though her high-profile status allows her to amplify these issues.

How Local Policies Shape the Crisis

In Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott’s 2024 executive order barred trans athletes from school sports, trans youth unemployment surged by 18%, per the Texas Workforce Commission. Similarly, Florida’s 2023 “Stop WOKE Act” led to a 25% reduction in DEI training programs, according to the Florida Center for Research in Public Policy. “Local governments are both enforcers and victims of this national trend,” said Maria Elena Martinez, a policy analyst in Miami. “When states cut funding for inclusive programs, it’s the most vulnerable who suffer.” Cox’s remarks resonate in cities like Atlanta, where the 2026 Transgender Health Equity Initiative faces funding cuts. [Healthcare Advocacy Organization] reports that 30% of trans residents in the Southeast lack access to gender-affirming care, a figure rising as state legislatures restrict such services.

What’s Next for Trans Rights?

Cox’s upcoming memoir, *Transcendent: A Memoir*, scheduled for June 2026 release, explores her journey amid these challenges. “I’m not just sharing my story—I’m demanding accountability,” she said. The book’s release coincides with a surge in legal battles over trans rights, including a pending Supreme Court case on state bans on gender-affirming care. Legal experts warn of escalating risks. “The court’s decision could set a precedent for nationwide restrictions,” said attorney Rachel Kim, who specializes in LGBTQ+ rights. “Without federal protections, states will continue to weaponize policy against marginalized groups.” In response, [Civil Rights Law Firm] has seen a 50% increase in trans clients seeking legal counsel on employment and healthcare discrimination. “We’re seeing a crisis of confidence in institutional support,” Kim added.

The Human Cost: Beyond Income

Laverne Cox – “Transcendent” & Protecting Trans Rights | The Daily Show

Cox’s warnings extend beyond economics. She cited “detransitioning in prison” and the erasure of trans identities in public life as existential threats. “This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about survival,” she said. In New York, [Transgender Support Network] reports a 20% rise in mental health crises among trans youth since 2023, correlating with increased anti-trans rhetoric. “When society dehumanizes you, it’s hard to believe you deserve care,” said program director Jamal Thompson. The National Institute of Mental Health links such policies to a 35% increase in suicidal ideation among trans adolescents, per its 2025 study. Cox’s advocacy underscores the intersection of policy and personal trauma.

What Can Be Done?

Advocacy groups are pushing for localized solutions. [Community Legal Aid Society] in Chicago offers free workshops on navigating anti-trans legislation, while [Employment Equity Agency] in Seattle provides training for employers to combat discrimination. “Policy change starts with grassroots action,” said [LGBTQ+ Rights Activist] Priya Mehta. “Supporting local organizations is the first step.” For those affected, [Transgender Health Services] in Portland recommends contacting [Local Nonprofit Advocacy Group] for resources on housing, healthcare, and legal aid.

The Long Game: A Warning for 2026 and Beyond

Cox’s story is a microcosm of a larger struggle. As states continue to roll back DEI initiatives, the economic and psychological toll on trans communities grows. “We’re at a crossroads,” she said. “Either we fight for inclusion or we accept a future where trans people are erased.” With her memoir set to release in June 2026, Cox’s message is clear: the fight for trans rights is not just about visibility—it’s about survival. For those seeking guidance, [Legal Advocacy Organization] and [Community Support Network] remain critical resources. “Don’t wait for the system to change,” Cox urged. “Build your own safety net. And demand better.”