LGBT advocate and Orange is the New Black actress, Laverne Cox, is Time Magazine’s latest cover star. The unlikely icon attacks all things in life with a fierce attitude and this includes championing for LGBT rights. To see this person beaming with pride shows what a trail blazer they are in the face of adversity.

“If someone needs to express their gender in a way that is different, that is okay, and they should not be denied healthcare. They should not be bullied,” she said. “They don’t deserve to be victims of violence. … That’s what people need to understand, that it’s okay and that if you are uncomfortable with it, then you need to look at yourself”

Despite being bullied and facing the challenges of depression, Laverne has risen out of her own tumultuous childhood and approaches every day with a clear mission to educate and empower. The rising star is now happy and comfortable in the skin she’s in.

“There’s hardships. There are a lot of struggles still. I’m happy that I am myself and I couldn’t imagine my life if I were still in denial or lying, pretending to be a boy. That seems ridiculous to me. That seems crazy at this point … It’s nice to be done with transitioning,” she said.

Head over to Time to read more on some of the challenges faced by the trans-gender community and how Laverne hopes to combat them