Thirty one years ago today, Laverne Cox was born. You probably know the Mobile, Alabama native from her role as Sophia Burset in the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. Cox has also made appearances in Law & Order, Faking It, and The Mindy Project.

bell hooks continues her week-long residency at the New School with a discussion with Orange is the New Black's Laverne Cox. In their discussion, the two discussed the intersection of pop culture and feminism. Laverne Cox, who describes herself as a huge bell hooks fan, articulates how feminism has helped her navigate life as a Black trans woman.

Laverne Cox of 'Orange is the New Black' recently became the first transgender woman to appear on the cover of TIME. She sat down with Wendy Williams to discuss her historic cover as well as her skyrocketing career.