In the queer community, family can be a difficult term. It has a variety of meanings depending on the individual. For some LGBTQ+ individuals, they may not have a blood family, but are welcomed by a chosen family. The group of people with whom they feel safe. The concept of chosen family rang out proudly whenLaverne Coxbrought hers toCelebrity Family Feud. While the show is known to unite casts for a special reunion or havecelebrities joined by their blood relatives, Laverne Cox filled her team with other transgender women,making history as the first ever all-transgender team.
For the average viewer, this may not have felt like a big deal, but for those of us in the queer community, this was a celebration. It was groundbreaking. Yes, they were there to have fun and play a beloved game, but they ended up making an extraordinarily beautiful statement in the process. Visibility is crucial nowadays. Being unafraid to be out and proud has become a fight for transgender individuals. Yet, here, five incredible transgender women went on international television, for millions to see, and remind everyone: “we’re here.”
‘Celebrity Family Feud’ Proved Why Visibility in Media Is Important
Let’s get the formalities out of the way. The first game of the night saw Cox and her friends take on DJ extraordinaireDiploand his family. An odd pairing, but that tends to be the case often onCelebrity Family Feud. Cox was joined by a team of powerhouse transgender entertainers and activists, including singerMila Jam, activistJosyln De Freece,RuPaul’s Drag RacejudgeTs Madison, andThe TraitorsandDrag RacealumniPeppermint. Playing for the Ts Madison Starter House, a reentry program in association with NAESM (National AIDS Education & Services for Minorities), the historic game meant more than entertainment.It was making a statement as a transgender team, just like any other team that should play this game.
Upon the introduction, hostSteve Harveymade the important notation that Cox was the first openly transgender actress nominated for an Emmy. Cox is no stranger to making history, soit makes sense that she brought these incredible women with her.When she got to tell Harvey how she was feeling, right off the bat, she shared why this appearance was important. “We are here as chosen family. There’s family we’re born into, and then there’s chosen family. I’m so happy to be here with my sisters. Sisterhood, 27 years in the making.”
On social media,Cox wrote in the caption of a video she shared,“I don’t think@familyfeudabcwill ever be the same. What an honor and pleasure it was to bring my girls along with me to entertain in only the way we can and raise money for the TS Madison Starter House!We are all beautiful trans women, and all different, individuals free in our own various and distinct ways.Don’t assume. Get to know us as individuals. I love my girls. Trans is so beautiful and necessary.” Having a prime-time network introduce this team as if they are just like every other person is powerful, especially during a time when the community faces relentless attacks on their rights, fueled by a firestorm of misinformation. The cultural impact is an extraordinary moment for equality. These women were not only there to represent themselves, they’re shining a light on a community that fights for equality and inclusion.
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Sometimes it’s just about standing out.
Steve Harvey Made an Important Statement
Of course, beingCelebrity Family Feud, fun was had the entire time. While some inappropriate answers slipped out, notably when one of Diplo’s teammates gave the answer of “penis” for “Oh no, my ___ is leaking,” rending Harvey utterly speechless,the spirit and energy were alive and well.The entire team had a lot of fun,flirting and teasing Harvey along the way. Sadly for Team Laverne, Team Diplo was victorious, moving on to the Fast Money Bonus Round, after both teams botched the final answer of “Honey dealer” of who Winnie the Pooh might have on speed dial.
Not only did Harvey announce a donation would be made to the Ts Madison Starter House, he said goodbye with this important message: “Hey, listen to me. I had a good time with y’all.I appreciate y’all being who you are, for real.Thank y’all.” He didn’t need to give them any extra words, but he did. By saying this and the moment remaining in the final edit of the episode, it reveals that we need our allies to continue to support our trans brothers and sisters. This episode was truly filled with love, joy, unity, and acceptance.
Celebrity Family Feudairs Thursdays at 8:00pm on ABC. All episodes are available to stream on Hulu.
Celebrity Family Feud
