Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Makes History as 1st Trans Golden Globe Winner

Michaela Jae Rodriguez, The Advocate's 2021 Person of the Year, made history on Sunday for taking home the Golden Globe for best actress in a TV drama. She's the first trans actor to ever win a Golden Globe.

Rodriguez's win came from her portrayal of housemother and nurse Blanca Evangelista on FX's Pose. The show premiered in 2018 and ended last year.

On Instagram, Rodriguez said the win was a "sickening birthday present!"

"This is the door that is going to open the door for many more young talented individuals. They will see that it is more than possible," Rodriguez wrote. "They will see that a young Black Latina girl from Newark New Jersey who had a dream, to change the minds others would WITH LOVE. LOVE WINS. To my young LGBTQAI babies WE ARE HERE the door is now open now reach the stars!"

She gave recognition to the other nominated actresses, Uzo Aduba, Jennifer Aniston, Christine Baranski, and Elisabeth Moss.

"To the nominees we are Queens. I'm so happy to share space with you! Each and every last one of you women are phenomenal," Rodriguez wrote.

The newly awarded star also went on Instagram Live to give an acceptance speech.

Rodriguez made history last summer for becoming the first trans actor to be nominated for a lead acting Emmy, though she didn't win the award. Rodriguez told The Advocate that even though her name wasn't called, it still meant something to be on the red carpet and to be with her acting peers.

"It felt great to just walk that red carpet and have the conversations and interviews that I had and just being able to sit at that table," Rodriguez said. "I've always wanted a seat at the table. I've always wanted to be someone who was in the space to be a part of the conversation, to be a leading force in the conversation, or to start it. And me being able to even have that nomination shows that I am willing and capable of it, you know?"

"The most important thing that I'm excited for, honestly, is people seeing me in a new light when it comes to my craft, seeing that I'm versatile and capable of doing many different types of characters," she said.

Other queer wins at the Golden Globes include out actor Ariana DeBose for her performance in the film West Side Story. The Power of the Dog also won several awards. The queer-alluded film won Best Motion Picture, Drama; Best Director, Motion Picture; and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for Kodi Smit-McPhee.