For strength and freedom! Orange Is The New Black star Laverne Cox shines as Statue of Liberty on LGBT issue of Entertainment Weekly

She's one of the inmates on 'Orange is the new black'

Her role as Sophia Burset in Orange Is The New Black has helped highlight the issues and difficulties faced by transsexuals.

And in a further testament to how far the America has come in its acceptance of those who have undergone gender reassignment surgery, Laverne Cox appears on the cover of the latest edition of Entertainment Weekly dressed as the Statue of Liberty.

Posing as the U.S symbol of strength and freedom, the transsexual actress looks serene in a mint green ensemble.

It is the first the first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender edition of Entertainment Weekly in 15 years. 

The magazine also has the word 'Weekly' in the colours of the rainbow. 

Laverne, one of Hollywood's most high profile transsexual actresses, discusses in the edition how proud she is of flying the flag for the transgender community.

And the 31-year-old says she has high hopes to establish herself in other roles.

She is the first transsexual actress to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. 

However she says: 'I just wonder, am I allowed to be a human being?'

Laverne has been very vocal in supporting Caitlyn Jenner who unveiled her look to the world on June 1.

The 65-year-old star - who was previously known as Bruce Jenner, showcased her transformation on the cover of Vanity Fair.

Laverne said she didn't envy the attention her transition has received: 'When you transition in the public eye, the transition becomes the story.

'I'm always disturbed when I see conversations about trans people that focus on surgery.

"This is why I'm so grateful that I had the luxury of transitioning in private.'

However, she believes Caitlyn's decision to undergo her gender transition under the scrutiny of the public eye is a huge step forward for the LGBT community.

She told Entertainment Weekly: 'I believe Caitlyn will transcend this moment.'

The raven-haired beauty previously praised the 'love and support' the former Olympian had received following her decision to make her debut.

Laverne wrote on Tumblr: 'I am so moved by all the love and support Caitlyn is receiving. 

'It feels like a new day, indeed, when a trans person can present her authentic self to the world for the first time and be celebrated for it so universally.

'Yes, Caitlyn looks amazing and is beautiful, but what I think is most beautiful about her is her heart and soul, the ways she has allowed the world into her vulnerabilities.'