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We've Got All the Details Behind Laverne Cox's #StandWithGavin Grammys Shout Out

Here's what you need to know about Gavin Grimm's Supreme Court battle.

Last night at the Grammys, Laverne Cox took to the stage to introduce the heavy metal performance of Lady Gaga and Metallica. However, instead of just reading from the prompter, the Orange Is the New Black star used her platform to bring awareness to a case headed to the Supreme Court in March. 

  • Cox took a brief moment to instruct everyone watching to Google Gavin Grimm

    Grimm is a 17-year-old transgender student who is currently in a legal battle against the Gloucester County School Board in Virginia. When Grimm transitioned, he received permission from his school to use the boy's bathroom. 

    Although his school allowed him to use his bathroom of choice for two months, parents and members of the board racked up complaints against the motion. 

    Grimm originally sued the Gloucester County School Board in federal court, arguing that their policy that barred him from using the men's bathroom violated Title IX. He won at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. However, the school district has since appealed and the case was sent to the Supreme Court.

  • As an ACLU plaintiff, Grimm spoke before the Gloucester school board

  • After Laverne Cox's shout out, the hashtag #StandwithGavin started trending

    According to The Washington Post, Grimm was surprised by the impromptu acknowledgment given by Cox.

    “I was just so thrilled because I love her. She’s just a beautiful person inside and out,” Grimm said. “I was really touched and thrilled and honored that that was the first thing out of her mouth... at this point, that’s the role I occupy and I want to make sure I’m using that platform for positive. I definitely didn’t set out at the beginning wanting to or expecting to shouted on the Grammys.”

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