How To Dismantle Trauma Patterns: 'You Need To Rewire Your Brain To Move On!' | Laverne Cox

What childhood experiences shaped Laverne Cox?

Laverne Cox's childhood was marked by deeply formative experiences. She was bullied for being gender non-conforming, enduring name-calling and ridicule from other children. These early interactions instilled a sense of shame and trauma but also shaped her resilience.

Her love for dancing emerged during physical education classes. While others played sports, she would dance by herself, pretending to be characters she admired, like Darcelle Wynne from Solid Gold. This self-expression became a vital way for her to cope.

Church performances played a significant role as well. Every Sunday, she summarized Sunday school lessons and made speeches. Although the religious aspect was shaming, the performance opportunities were affirming. Being seen as a good speaker and a talented dancer helped form her identity.

These childhood experiences, filled with both pain and joy, significantly influenced Laverne. They shaped her resilience, talent, and self-perception, encouraging her to continue striving despite adversity.

How does Laverne Cox approach reparenting her inner child?

Laverne Cox's journey of reparenting her inner child involves a deep and intentional process. Influenced by Brene Brown and somatic therapy, she has focused on acknowledging her trauma, embracing resilience, and reframing her story.

Incorporating the teachings of Brene Brown:

• She believes in owning her story to avoid being defined by it, a principle she adopted from Brene Brown's insights.

Engaging in somatic therapy:

• Cox works with a therapist from the Trauma Research Institute who uses the Community Resiliency Model (CRIM). This model emphasizes sensing into the body and creating new neural pathways.

Key Techniques:

1. Acknowledging Trauma: She recognizes and feels the pain from her past, transitioning from denial to acceptance.
2. Focusing on Resilience: Techniques like "shift and stay" help her concentrate on neutral or positive sensations in her body, redirecting her focus from anxiety.
3. Reframing Her Story: By redefining her narrative, she shifts from querying "what's wrong with me" to celebrating "what's right with me."

These steps have allowed her to rewire her brain for healing, promoting mental wellness and overcoming childhood trauma.

Why is denial of trauma unhealthy?

Denial of trauma can lead to severe mental and physical health issues. For instance, consistent denial means that the psychological wounds remain unaddressed, potentially manifesting as stress-related disorders like anxiety and depression. Research by Nadine Burke Harris emphasizes how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) translate into poor health outcomes such as diabetes and heart disease due to prolonged stress responses.

Stressful experiences get imprinted on our bodies, which Nadine Burke Harris elaborates on in her research about trauma and gene expression. This unaddressed stress can lead to a constant state of fight or flight, exhausting the body over time.

Laverne Cox eloquently explains the importance of facing trauma head-on:

"When we disown our stories, we're defined by them. When we own our stories, we can write a brave new ending."

Acknowledging and addressing these traumatic experiences through techniques like reparenting the inner child not only promotes mental wellness but also halts the generational transmission of trauma. By confronting the past, individuals pave the way for healing and resilience.

What techniques does Laverne Cox use to manage anxiety?

Laverne Cox utilizes several somatic techniques to manage her anxiety effectively. These methods help her focus on positive sensations and reduce stress.

Key Techniques:

1. Shift and Stay:

   • Identify where anxiety is felt in the body.
   • Locate a neutral or positive area within the body.
   • Focus on breathing into that neutral or positive area.
   • Gradually shift attention from the anxious spot to the positive one, helping the anxiety dissipate.

2. Focusing on Positive Sensations:

   • Begin by acknowledging anxious feelings.
   • Shift focus to a part of the body experiencing neutral or pleasant sensations.
   • Concentrate on this area to reduce overall anxiety, often leading to a calmer state.

By practicing these steps, Cox is able to soothe her nervous system and promote a state of resilience. These techniques allow her to rewire her brain for healing, contributing to overall mental wellness.

How does Laverne Cox view aging in Hollywood?

Laverne Cox openly discusses her fears and strategies regarding aging in Hollywood. As a 51-year-old woman, she acknowledges the industry's ageism and the societal pressures related to appearance. Laverne admits that her career's visual demands make this even more daunting.

She describes feeling scared about mobility and maintaining her looks as she ages. The industry often values youth and beauty, which adds another layer of stress for her. Despite these fears, Laverne stays focused on mental wellness. She talks about the importance of acknowledging societal pressures while striving for personal acceptance.

Strategies for Maintaining Mental Wellness:

• Self-compassion: She emphasizes being kind to herself and accepting her aging process.
• Consistent self-care: Engaging in activities that boost both her physical and mental health.
• Surrounding herself with positive influences: Keeping a supportive network to counteract the negativity she might encounter.

Her approach highlights the struggles women face in a youth-obsessed industry, yet she remains steadfast in promoting self-acceptance and mental well-being.

How does Laverne Cox advocate for trans rights?

Laverne Cox passionately advocates for trans rights through various efforts, focusing on legislative challenges and fighting societal stigma. She remains a vocal supporter of the trans community and works tirelessly to highlight the issues they face.

Key Actions and Statements:

• Legislative Challenges:

  • Laverne addresses the alarming rise in anti-trans legislation, including bathroom bans and restrictions on gender-affirming care.
  • She collaborates with organizations like the ACLU to fight these legal battles in courts.
  • By speaking out against unjust laws, such as those banning gender-affirming care up to age 26, she directly challenges harmful policies.

• Societal Stigma:

  • Publicly discusses the intersection of transphobia with racism, patriarchy, and white supremacy, aiming to educate and dismantle harmful biases.
  • Uses her platform to share stories that humanize trans experiences, counteracting dehumanizing narratives often portrayed in media.
  • Encourages empathy and understanding by highlighting the natural existence of trans and non-binary people in indigenous cultures worldwide.

• Promoting Visibility:

  • Laverne was featured on Time magazine’s cover with the headline "The Transgender Tipping Point," helping to elevate trans visibility.
  • Continuously appears in media to discuss the realities of trans life, aiming to change public perception and foster acceptance.

Through these efforts, she not only advocates for trans rights but also works towards a broader understanding and acceptance of the trans community.

What are the broader implications of transphobia and white supremacy?

Laverne Cox delves into the intricate connections between transphobia, white supremacy, and patriarchy. She believes these structures deeply impact mental health and societal progress. According to her, these interlocking systems perpetuate discrimination and hinder true equality.

Key Insights

• Mental Health Impact:

  • Continuous subjugation and marginalization by these oppressive systems can lead to severe mental health issues.
  • Individuals often internalize oppressive ideologies, resulting in self-loathing that needs unlearning to heal properly.

• Societal Progress:

  • White supremacy and cisnormativity create systemic barriers, impeding the progress of marginalized communities.
  • Patriarchal norms dictate rigid gender roles, stifling the full expression of individual identities.

Impacts on Society

• Discrimination:
  • Societal norms shaped by white supremacy and transphobia legitimize and sustain discrimination.
• Inequity in Access:
  • These systems enforce inequities in resources and opportunities, particularly for trans and non-binary people.
• Legality and Policy:
  • Structural biases influence legislation and policy, leading to laws that undermine the rights of transgender individuals.

Addressing these structures requires a deep, empathetic understanding and a collective willingness to dismantle oppressive systems.