Tuesday (July 13), MJ Rodriguez became the first trans woman in Emmy history to be nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama series for her role as house mother, Blanca in the FX show Pose.
In its third and final season, Pose also snagged a nomination for Outstanding Drama series and Outstanding Lead actor in a drama series for Billy Porter. This is also the first time any of the actors or actresses of the series have been recognized for their stardom, despite having snagged 11 Emmy nominations so far for the past two seasons.
When voting opened for the nominations "GLAAD" penned an open letter Emmy voters urging them to give the show it's due for it's final season.
"In it's course of three groundbreaking season's, POSE transformed the landscape of transgender representation in Hollywood and educated the world on who transgender people are, all while entertaining the audience with high energy, compelling drama and authentic story telling. With its final season, POSE has struck an undeniable emotional and cultural chord that will not be soon forgotten."
The rest of the open letter can be read on GLAAD's website, here.
Pose premiered in 2018, telling the story of the Latino and African American community in New York during the 80’s, 90’s, and in the third season, mid-to-late 90’s. MJ Rodriguez plays Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista, house mother of House Evangelista that was formed in the first season.
MJ took to Instagram to share her reaction to the historic nomination, “Thank you @televisionacad I’m still gagging. I didn’t get on cam am that much cause I looked a mess!! Lord Jesus I’m #EmmyNominated.”
The 73rd Primetime Emmy's will air on Sunday, September 19th, 2021.