• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

'Pose' star Mj Rodriguez makes Emmys history with lead actress nomination

3:24
The must-see moments from Emmy Awards
Eric Liebowitz/FX via AP
ByGood Morning America
July 13, 2021, 4:43 PM

The awards show isn't until September, but "Pose" star Mj Rodriguez has already made Emmys history.

The actress was nominated for best actress in a drama series Tuesday morning, becoming the first trans actress to ever garner an Emmys nod in a leading acting category.

Editor’s Picks

Cedric the Entertainer will host the 2021 Emmys

  • Jul 12, 2021

Emmys announce performers can select gender-neutral option for statues

  • Jun 22, 2021

See the full list of 2021 Emmy nominees

  • Jul 13, 2021

In 2014, "Orange Is the New Black" actress Laverne Cox became the first transgender person to ever be nominated for an acting Emmy; Rain Valdez, creator and star of the short “Razor Tongue,” became the second last year.

Neither Cox nor Valdez won.

Related Articles

MORE: Emmy nominations 2021: Full list

Last year, "Pose" fans voiced their frustrations that the series' transgender stars were snubbed on Emmy nominations day. "Pose" actor Billy Porter, however, was nominated for best actor in a drama series; Jeremy Strong of "Succession" went on to win the category.

Rodriguez has not yet commented on her groundbreaking nomination, though GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis called it "a long-overdue recognition for her groundbreaking performance."

“Additionally, the show's nomination for outstanding drama series, as well as Billy Porter’s third nomination for outstanding lead actor in a drama series, mark a historic show that undoubtedly raised the bar for trans representation on television and changed the way viewers around the world understand the trans community," she continued. "As over 40 leading LGBTQ organizations pointed out in our open letter about 'Pose' to Emmy Award voters [last month], representation matters. Congratulations, Michaela Jaé, Billy Porter, and the entire 'Pose' team — the world is standing with you and applauding your talents."

Listen to Rodriguez's interview with LZ Granderson on his ABC News podcast "Life out Loud with LZ Granderson":

Related Topics

  • Emmy Awards

Editor’s Picks

Cedric the Entertainer will host the 2021 Emmys

  • Jul 12, 2021

Emmys announce performers can select gender-neutral option for statues

  • Jun 22, 2021

See the full list of 2021 Emmy nominees

  • Jul 13, 2021

Up Next in Culture—

Kim Kardashian trial: 8 of 10 found guilty in 2016 jewelry heist

May 23, 2025

Kermit the Frog shares words of wisdom for Class of 2025

May 23, 2025

'Not Her First Rodeo' puts spotlight on women bull riders: Everything to know

May 23, 2025

Billy Joel cancels all scheduled concerts due to diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus

May 23, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News