Laverne Cox Makes History with First All-Transgender Team on Celebrity Family Feud: A Celebration of Trans Representation and Solidarity

In a groundbreaking moment for television, Emmy-nominated actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox has once again made history, this time on the stage of ABC’s Celebrity Family Feud. On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Cox will lead the first all-transgender team to ever compete on the popular game show. Team Laverne—a vibrant and dynamic group of trans entertainers and activists—will face off against Grammy-winning DJ Diplo and the casts of the long-running soap operas General Hospital and The Young and the Restless. This landmark episode represents a significant milestone for transgender visibility and representation in mainstream media, showcasing the diverse talents of the trans community in a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.

A Pioneering Moment in Prime-Time Television

Laverne Cox, known for her groundbreaking role in Orange Is the New Black and her advocacy for transgender rights, has long been a leading figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in the entertainment industry. By taking the helm of this history-making episode of Celebrity Family Feud, Cox is continuing her mission to shine a light on the transgender community, particularly at a time when political and social forces continue to challenge the rights of transgender people.

Cox’s team, which she has affectionately dubbed “Team Laverne,” features a mix of prominent figures from the entertainment and LGBTQ+ activist spaces. Among the team members is media mogul TS Madison, a trailblazing figure in the LGBTQ+ community who has made waves with her digital presence and advocacy for Black trans women. Pop artist Mila Jam, who uses her platform to raise awareness for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, is also part of the team, alongside other influential trans personalities. Together, these trailblazers will take on two well-known celebrity teams in a lighthearted but significant game of Family Feud.

What makes this episode particularly notable is not just the star power of the contestants but the cultural impact it represents. For years, Celebrity Family Feud has featured LGBTQ+ celebrities, but this is the first time in the show’s history that an all-trans team will compete. The symbolism behind this moment is profound: as the entertainment industry continues to evolve, so too does its ability to represent marginalized communities in a way that’s celebratory, inclusive, and empowering.

A Cause That Hits Close to Home

As the game show unfolds, there’s more at stake than just the potential to win a cash prize. Team Laverne is playing for a cause that is deeply personal and impactful: the TS Madison Starter House Foundation. This nonprofit organization provides essential resources and housing for LGBTQ+ individuals in need, with a particular focus on Black trans women, who face significant challenges in securing safe housing and stability.

The mission of the TS Madison Starter House Foundation is to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who are transgender and marginalized, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. In a world that often marginalizes these individuals, the work of the Foundation is crucial in providing safety, dignity, and opportunity. As Team Laverne competes on Celebrity Family Feud, they are not only representing themselves but also advocating for a cause that is vital for the well-being of the transgender community.

“Trans people deserve to live, to thrive, and to be loved,” Cox said in an interview promoting the episode. “We’re all in this together, and our voices matter. This is just a step in the right direction, and we’re proud to take it.”

The Cultural Impact: Trans Joy and Solidarity

The Celebrity Family Feud episode featuring Team Laverne is not just a game; it’s a celebration of trans joy, love, and unity. The energy surrounding the episode is contagious, with fans excited to see a trans-led team on prime-time television, representing not just the diversity within the trans community but also the strength that comes from solidarity. In a time when transgender individuals continue to face discrimination and marginalization, the visibility provided by Celebrity Family Feud is an important counterpoint, highlighting the resilience and brilliance of the trans community.

TS Madison, one of the standout figures of the episode, expressed her excitement to be a part of the historic moment. Known for her humor, boldness, and unapologetic style, Madison is a beloved figure within the LGBTQ+ community. On social media, she shared her excitement with her fans, calling on viewers to tune in and witness history. With her signature charm, Madison added, “I know some of y’all ain’t got much to do. Let us know in the comments the answers we missed ON TV 📺 see you Thursday—ohhhh I mean see US Thursday 🩷”

Madison’s comments underscore the celebratory nature of this moment. The episode is not just about competition but about having fun, showing off trans talent, and reinforcing the bonds of chosen family within the LGBTQ+ community. For viewers, the episode represents a much-needed moment of levity, pride, and visibility—a chance to see their stories and identities reflected in a positive, mainstream light.

The Format and the Fun

While the stakes for the charitable cause are high, the episode itself promises to be a fun and engaging competition. Hosted by Steve Harvey, Celebrity Family Feud is known for its lighthearted, comedic atmosphere, and this episode will be no different. The format will feature multiple rounds of rapid-fire questions, with Team Laverne taking on Team Diplo in the first segment and the casts of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless in the second. The winners of each round will proceed to the Fast Money round, where they will compete for a cash prize to donate to the TS Madison Starter House Foundation.

As the game progresses, viewers will get a glimpse into the personalities of some of the most well-known figures in the LGBTQ+ community. The playful banter, quick thinking, and comedic answers will be a testament to the talent and charisma of Team Laverne. Regardless of whether they win or lose, the team’s participation in this milestone episode will be remembered as a major moment for trans representation on television.

A Moment of Truth for Visibility

Team Laverne’s appearance on Celebrity Family Feud is not only a milestone for the transgender community, but it’s also a moment of truth for the media industry. The entertainment world has made significant strides in recent years in terms of LGBTQ+ representation, but there is still much work to be done. Transgender individuals, especially Black trans women, remain underrepresented and often face harmful stereotypes and misrepresentation. By featuring an all-transgender team on a widely popular game show, Celebrity Family Feud is sending a powerful message that the stories and voices of transgender individuals matter.

This moment is also a reminder that representation in media is not just about visibility—it’s about celebrating the diversity, complexity, and humanity of marginalized groups. By showing trans individuals in joyful, competitive settings, Celebrity Family Feud is normalizing their presence in spaces where they have often been excluded or relegated to secondary roles. This is a powerful step toward breaking down the barriers that have historically kept the trans community on the periphery of mainstream media.

Conclusion: A Historic Moment for Transgender Representation

Whether Team Laverne walks away with the grand prize or not, their participation in Celebrity Family Feud marks a historic achievement in the ongoing fight for transgender visibility and equality. The episode, airing on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 8/7c on ABC, and available to stream on Hulu, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world of television and media representation. For Laverne Cox, TS Madison, Mila Jam, and the other members of Team Laverne, this moment is more than just a game—it’s a victory for the transgender community and a step forward in the fight for inclusion, respect, and love.

This episode is not just about watching celebrities compete for a prize—it’s about celebrating trans joy, unity, and the power of representation. In the words of Laverne Cox, “We need each other now more than ever. We are all we have.” And with that, Team Laverne is making a statement that will resonate far beyond the game show stage.