“Transgender Bridge”

Tonight Law & Order Special Victims Unit airs an episode that explores an ugly truth within the LGBTIQ community. In this episode we get to see one of our favorites Adrienne Moore, who plays Cindy Hayes (“Black Cindy”) in Orange is the New Black as the mother to one of the youth. Not only are we excited to see her but we get to see a new side of her as an actress as this role is very serious.

NBC has released the below description to accompany the preview:

LAW & ORDER: SVU

Wednesday, September 30 at 9pm ET on NBC

“Transgender Bridge”

WHEN A TRANSGENDER TEEN IS TAUNTED BY HIGH SCHOOL KIDS, BULLYING ESCALATES TO TRAGEDY

15 year-old Avery Parker (guest star Christopher Dylan) walks home from school through Fort Tryon Park when she’s surrounded by a group of rowdy boys.  Taunts and jokes intensify to pushing and shoving, leaving Avery in the hospital and three assailants under arrest.  When the DA’s office decides to try one of the culprits, 15 year-old Darius McCrae (guest star Dante Brown), as an adult, the SVU squad agonizes over whether the punishment fits the crime, and must deal with the pain of both families involved.  Starring Mariska Hargitay (Sgt. Olivia Benson), Ice T (Det. Odafin Tutuola), Kelli Giddish (Det. Amanda Rollins) and Peter Scanavino (Det. Sonny Carisi).  Also guest starring Robert Sean Leonard (ADA Kenneth O’Dwyer), Adrienne Moore (Cheryl McCrae), Bill Irwin (Dr. Peter Lindstrom), Jessica Phillips (Pippa Cox), Danny Burstein (Eric Parker) and Rebecca Luker (Lisa Parker)

Though there isn’t a rape in this episode since the victim was “born” a male and is “dressed” as a female she is considered a special victim. This episode is very personal for me as I have many friends who are a part of the Trans Community. Our recent cover spotlight Scott Turner Schofield shed light about hatred towards the trans community and this episode is so real it is scary.

To make matters worse there are other youths standing around watching this behavior take place. Brace yourself as this episode is alarmingly heartwarming and forces you to ask yourself what you can do to be a part of the resolution. This episode explores the topic of Gender Identity vs. Sexuality and allows a deeper level of understanding than just touching on the surface.

Make sure to pay attention as just when you think you know what happens the writers throw a curve ball that changes the entire mathematical equation and raises the stakes. When youthful banter becomes bullying and bullying becomes hate, what side will you choose?

Make sure you tune in tonight as this is sure to be an enjoyable extra special episode.

Adrienne Moore, who plays Cindy Hayes (“Black Cindy”) in Orange is the New Black