Jan. 11, 2022

SAN JOSE, CALIF. – On Jan. 9, 2022, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, known as MJ Rodriguez, made history at the Golden Globes by being the first transgender woman to win “Best Preformance by an Actress in a Television Series.”

As viewers tuned in on Sunday evening to watch their favorite actors/actresses take home a Golden Globe, Rodriguez made history by being the first ever transgender woman to win a Golden Globe for, “Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series.” 

She rose to fame by  portraying Blanca Evangalista in the hit drama FX series “Pose.” “Pose” tells the story of drag ball culture in N.Y. throughout the catastrophe of AIDS in the year 1980. In addition, Rodriguez started to get more well known roles in films such as a Netflix original: “Tick Tick Boom.” Rodriguez plays “Carolyn” Jonathan Larson’s (Andrew Garfield) friend.

After hearing about her epic achievement, Rodriguez used this special opportunity to recognize and encourage the LGBTQ+ and POC (people of color) community. She showed her appreciation by saying, “This is the door that is going to open the door for many more young talented individuals. They will see that this is more than possible” and “To my young LGBTQIA babies WE ARE HERE the door is now open now reach the stars!!!!!” 

Not only did she thank her fellow communities, Rodriguez also thanked the people behind “Pose” and the women who were under the same category by explaining how beyond thankful she was for sharing the space with them. 

She expressed her gratitude towards her fans by posting a screenshot of her winning and going on Instagram live to thank her supporters. 

Silver Creek students who are either part of the LGBTQ+ community or are allies came forth and shared their thoughts with this recent event. A member from the LGBTQ+ community, Teagan Welch, has shared her opinions on this topic. “As someone who is also LGBTQIA+, it’s so heartwarming to see more and more minority populations winning awards. It really does help with diversifying and shows that anything is possible.” Ava Veloria is one of many LGBTQ+ allies at Silver Creek. Veloria has shared her thoughts about Rodriguez winning a Golden Globe by mentioning , “being an ally to the LGBTQIA+, it’s always amazing to see diversity in major award events like the Golden Globes. I’m grateful we’re living in a time where we are able to represent who we are and help others see that they as well c[an achieve anything they put their mind to.”