Laverne Cox Posts Emotional Message on Going Nude for Allure

— -- Laverne Cox admits in the new issue of Allure that at first, she turned down the magazine's famous nudes issue.

"I said no initially, thought about it, and said no again," she said. "But I'm a black transgender woman. I felt this could be really powerful for the communities that I represent. Black women are not often told that we're beautiful unless we align with certain standards. Trans women certainly are not told we're beautiful. Seeing a black transgender woman embracing and loving everything about herself might be inspiring to some other folks."

The "Orange is the New Black" star, 30, also took to Instagram to write: "Thanks to everyone at @allure magazine for making me feel so comfortable taking off my clothes for the camera for your May issue. #NormanJeanRoy you're a genius. #CelebrateYourBody #TransIsBeautiful #OITNB @oitnb #BodiesThatMatter."

Cox is joined by fellow actresses Jordana Brewster and Katheryn Winnick, among others in the issue. Today was a big day for Cox, who was also named to the Time 100: The Most Influential People in the World in 2014.

"What an interesting coincidence that my eyes are closed in both photos that came out today. The one on the left for the #Time100 by #PeterHapak and the one on the right for @allure by #NormanJeanRoy #SeeNoEvil #LookingInward," she shared in another post.

Check out the rest of the powerful stories over at Allure.com.