What did we ever do before Laverne Cox? We definitely didn't laugh as much, and we definitely wouldn't know some amazing makeup tips (she does her own makeup for red carpets, a lot). Yesterday, the 31-year-old actress posted a #TBT of herself on her Instagram, and the whole thing will make you want to comment with the raised hands emoji.<\/p>\n
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In the caption, Cox says she's "gagging" that she decided to share this black-and-white photo of her "way back in the day." She goes on to explain the hilarious story of who inspired her to get her braids: "Yes, I went up to Harlem to get my braids 'did' at one of those genius African hair braiding spots," writes Cox. "I was trying to serve up early @beyonce Destiny's Child t's." And see those lips? Cox describes the struggle it was to achieve that level of glossiness: "I was wearing a dress I got at the Salvation Army and I was super psyched to be wearing that Diorific lip gloss in black that I really couldn't afford but bought anyway with tips from my restaurant job," she writes. We can all relate.<\/p>\n
The best part of Cox's post is the uplifting message she gives to those reading the caption who are currently going through their own transition. "This was just two years into my transition. I look at this photo and see a super cute young woman feeling it. But underneath, a lot of overcompensating; I didn't feel cute," writes Cox. "I felt the opposite of cute. People misgendering me, calling me a man and saying I looked like a man, got to me and made me feel so insecure. It kept me from seeing myself clearly and loving what I saw. I look back on this young woman and want to give her the love I didn't know how to back then. It's not too late." And cue the tears.<\/p>\n
Caitlyn Jenner Is Grateful to Laverne Cox and Other "Pioneers":<\/strong><\/p>\n