In accepting an award on Saturday, Pose
star Dominique Jackson remembered the victims of transphobic
violence.
Jackson, who plays Elektra Abundance on
FX's drama Pose, received the National Equality Award at
Saturday's 23rd annual HRC National Dinner at the
Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
In accepting the award, Jackson, 44,
reminded the crowd that transgender people such as herself are human.
“My community dies every day,”
Jackson said. “Whether it's from HIV and AIDS, or from transphobia,
or homophobia. I ask you, consider this: That is a human being. We're
all human beings. It's about inclusivity.”
“And I will never, ever ask any of
you for respect. I will demand it,” she added to applause.
“You will not tell me that you accept
me. You will not tell me that you tolerate me. That is not your
power. I take that from you. You will respect me for who I am,” she
concluded.