Sarah Paulson Buys Out Texas Theater's Screenings of Transgender Drama Monica

On Sunday, out actor and LGBTQ+ advocate Sarah Paulson bought out a Dallas theater's showings of Monica, a transgender-themed drama starring Trace Lysette.

Paulson booked out the Violet Crown Cinema's Monica screenings for the full day, meaning attendance was free so long as seats were available and guests had registered beforehand. The Florida-born star is known for her roles in American Horror Story, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and Ratched. She won both a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy for her performance in 2016's The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

Paulson, who has been in a relationship with Holland Taylor since 2015, has been an outspoken LGBTQ+ rights advocate and has appeared in a variety of queer roles in her career.

Monica centers on a trans woman — played by Trace Lysette of Transparent and Hustlers — who must return home to care for her dying, estranged mother. The film has won critical acclaim, particularly for Lysette's powerful performance.

David Gil, marketing director of Violet Crown Cinema, told The Dallas Morning News ahead of Sunday, "Sarah Paulson is sponsoring the screenings but will not be in attendance."

He added that Paulson learned of Violet Crown Cinema's exclusive Dallas showing of Monica and reached out to IFC to sponsor the screenings.

Paulson is not associated with IFC Films or Monica, and has yet to comment on her decision to buy out the screenings.

Watch the trailer for Monica below.