After HB2, One Advocate's Fight For Trans Rights Is Far From Over

By Laura Pellicer,

Published May 14, 2018 at 12:40 PM EDT

photo of Candis Cox speaking at a podium with signs for the human rights campaign and equality NC

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Candis Cox speaking at a March 31, 2016 press conference after delivering a letter which urged Governor McCrory to repeal HB2.

Courtesy of Candis Cox

photo of cox as a child in a life jacket, before transitioning.

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At summer camp, 1993.

Courtesy of Candis Cox

photo of cox as a teenager, dressed in rotc uniform and saluting. before transition.

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In ROTC in high school, 1998.

Courtesy of Candis Cox

photo of cox as a teenager in a white tuxedo with her mother. before transition.

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At high school prom with mother, Dakota, 2001.

Courtesy of Candis Cox

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With her best friend, Thomas, 2004.

Courtesy of Candis Cox

photo of candis and her grandmother in a pumpkin patch

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Candis and her grandmother, 'Ma,' at a pumpkin patch, 2014.

Courtesy of Candis Cox

Candis Cox was working as a representative with American Airlines at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport when she was thrust into the role of political activist. Cox is a transgender woman, and after the passage of North Carolina House Bill 2, she was told she could no longer use the bathroom that aligned with her gender identity.She was invited to meet with lawmakers and soon found herself speaking on podiums advocating for the rights of transgender North Carolinians. Though HB2 is no longer in place, Cox believes its repeal bill, HB142, leaves trans North Carolinians back where they started, with no real protection from possible future discriminatory laws.

Today Cox is a gender and sexuality educator and a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ community. She is also on the board of directors for Equality NC. Host Frank Stasio speaks with Cox about her upbringing in a “tough love” household of strong women and her journey with her gender identity.