Laverne Cox In InStyle: 'I’m a Self-Made Woman in Every Sense of the Word'

Laverne Cox dominated headlines last week with the premiere of her documentary, The T Word, and the gorgeous purple dress she wore as she lit up the Empire State on Spirit Day.

The transgender icon is becoming a fashion darling: This month she appears in the fashionista's bible InStyle, wearing a selection of couture outfits and beautifully photographed by Bjarne Jonasson.

Cox speaks to InStyle's Sara Vilkomerson about her dress sense, and what it means to be a leader of LGBTQ advocacy:

InStyle: Is there a lot of pressure to be the groundbreaking woman at the forefront of transgender advocacy?
Laverne Cox: I have felt that pressure. Especially after I was on the cover of Time magazine. It's such a wonderful moment in my career and for my community--there's been a tipping point of taking control of our own narratives with unprecedented visibility. But I'm an artist, and even before I knew I was trans, I knew I was a performer.

Scroll down to see her rock a Halston Heritage dress, and go to InStyle.com to read the full interview.