Mj Rodriguez Just Made History At The Golden Globes

Fans of the television series "Pose" are already familiar with the talents of Mj Rodriguez. The actress plays Blanca Evangelista on the FX show, which just finished its third and final season on the network in 2021. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, Rodriguez always knew she wanted to be a performer. "When I was little all I could think about was just being on some kind of stage, whether it be on a live stage, whether it be on a set stage," she explained (per Biography).

Rodriguez had small roles in shows including "Nurse Jackie," "The Carrie Diaries," and "Luke Cage" before landing her big break in "Pose." "It's changed my life as far as awareness and being seen and being heard and obviously, most importantly, being taken seriously as an actress," she told Elle. "A lot of women like myself, who are in the trans community, especially African American trans women, don't get the opportunity to be in the forefront or even in the mainstream. I think 'Pose' has changed the dynamic, and it's opened the eyes of people who didn't really have the education or vocabulary. It's giving them a glimpse into our lives, seeing that we're human."

And after becoming the first trans woman to receive an Emmy nomination in a major acting category in 2021, Rodriguez has made history at the Golden Globes!

Mj Rodriguez became the first openly transgender woman to win a Golden Globe, earning best actress in a TV drama for her role as Blanca Evangelista in "Pose." While the awards show wasn't televised due to the pandemic, Rodriguez was able to share her acceptance speech on Instagram. "OMG OMGGG!!!! @goldenglobes Wow! You talking about sickening birthday present! Thank you! This is the door that is going to Open the door for many more young talented individuals," the New Jersey native wrote on the social media platform. "They will see that it is more than possible. They will see that a young Black Latina girl from Newark New Jersey who had a dream, to change the minds others would WITH LOVE. LOVE WINS. To my young LGBTQAI babies WE ARE HERE the door is now open now reach the stars!!!!! @goldenglobes"

Although "Pose" has ended its run, Rodriguez's career continues to flourish. She appeared in Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Tick Tick... Boom!" opposite Andrew Garfield, and will be featured in the upcoming comedy series "Tarzana," where she will work alongside Maya Rudolph (per IMDb). "This new role helps other people understand me as an artist, that I have all these multifaceted parts to my abilities, not just one," Rodriguez told Essence. "I'm a goofy person and I finally feel like I get a chance to put some of that into this character."