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Pose stars Indya Moore and Angelica Ross speak out after Emmy Awards snub

The acclaimed series' trans performers have been overlooked for the second year running.

By Thomas Stichbury

Category is… frustration as Pose stars Indya Moore and Angelica Ross publicly addressed their Emmy snubs.

On Tuesday morning, the trail-blazing trans performers spoke up after being egregiously overlooked during the 2020 nominations.

For the second year running, the show’s transgender cast members received zero nods from awards bosses.

Also excluded from the running was director Janet Mock, who also executive produces the game-changing drama.

Taking to Twitter, 25-year-old non-binary actor Indya – who plays budding model Angel – quickly criticised the shut-out.

“I cNt tell nobody I deserve their sht,” they wrote.

“I didn’t invent the academy or any of the award shows. If they think my work is unworthy Chile that’s just that.

“Imagine if we depended on cis ppl to validate anything about us,” they added.

“Something abt trans ppl not being honored on a show abt trans ppl who created a culture to honor ourselves bc the world doesn’t.”

Emotions also ran high for co-star Angelica Ross – particularly heart-breaking as Candy in the series – in a tearful Instagram video.

“I want you to know from the jump that these tears are not about an award or a nomination,” she begins.

“Ultimately, I need y’all to understand that I’m so tired – those of you who know me know I’m not just working on screen or behind screen but I’m working around the clock to get our society to value trans lives and black trans lives,” Angelica, 39, continues.

“I feel what I feel because I feel there is nothing we can do.”

 
 
 
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Pose co-creator Steven Canals jumped in to share his disbelief that MJ Rodriguez wasn’t championed for her role as Blanca, writing: “Okay, real talk… what does @MjRodriguez7 have to do – aside from baring her heart & pouring her soul into every damn scene – to get a Best Actress nomination?!”

Only Billy Porter, aka Pray Tell, was shown any love in the acting categories after scoring a nom for outstanding lead actor in a drama – in 2019, he became the first openly gay black man to win the category.

Despite being nominated for best drama last year, the second season of Pose failed to make the cut this time around.

However, the TV favourite was recognised for its make-up, hairstyling and costume design.

Pose seasons one and two are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.