Angelica Ross: Navigating an American Horror Story
Embodying life, when d*ath is/was the alternative.
Content/Trigger Warning: Transmisogynoir, Violence against trans people
Angelica Ross, who was a previous cast member on another Ryan Murphy project entitled Pose (2018–2021) met a grim and grisly fate as a Black trans woman. In the series American Horror Story, however, she not only survives but is a rare exception of a Black trans ‘final girl’. By exploring her arc throughout the show, briefly contrasted to that of her character arc on Pose, one must explore how this horror series took more care with her life than one set in a realistic setting. To include, this is one of the rare occasions where a Black trans woman was not dead-named or outed, but she was a completely fleshed-out character with her own life, family, and friends. Her transness was not up for debate or discussion — nor was her humanity — and it was beautiful to experience. As a matter of course, I must address how Angelica Ross, herself has stated, that her ability to pass has breathed life into her career that other Black trans women may not have been able to attain so fluidly.
“I have cis-assuming privilege which means when I walk around, go to the airport, to the restroom, go anywhere, go to church, anywhere…they’re assuming that I’m cisgender. They’re assuming that I’m not trans. I say…
