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Emmys 2019: Fans praise Patricia Arquette for raising the issue of trans rights in her award acceptance speech

'The Act' actress took upon herself to bring attention to trans equality and used her winning speech to shed some light on the topic.

BY PRERNA NAMBIAR

PUBLISHED SEP 23, 2019

Patricia Arquette won the award for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in 'The Act' and the actress dedicated her acceptance speech to her late sister, Alexis Arquette while advocating a need for trans rights. Patricia noted how she was deeply hurt to see how the trans people were being treated all around the world. "In my heart, I'm so sad I lost my sister Alexis and that trans people are still being persecuted," she said. The actress further added that she misses her sister every day and hopes to see a world where trans people can live freely.

Patricia Arquette poses with award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie in the press room during the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

"I'm in mourning every day of my life Alexis and I will be the rest of my life for you until we change the world so that trans people are not persecuted and give them jobs," she further noted. After Patricia finished her acceptance speech, Laverne Cox gave her a standing ovation while holding an LGBT flag.

People were pleased to see how the actress used her platform to bring attention to an important discussion. Drag artist Marti Gould Cummings wrote on Twitter, "Patricia Arquette using her speech to talk about her sister Alexis and to speak up for transgender rights is beautiful! Love love love her always using her platform for good and to spread awareness."

Patricia Arquette accepts the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie award for 'The Act' onstage during the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

Another Twitter user wrote, "Patricia Arquette just honored her sister, Alexis, and spoke out for trans people on the #Emmys stage. I hope all the cis-hets are watching. #TransLivesMatter #TransIsBeautiful."

Many praised her speech noting that she wonderfully summed up the areas that need to be paid close attention to. "Great speech by Patricia Arquette@PattyArquette who talks about missing her sister Alexis Arquette and the need to end the continued persecution of trans people with acceptance, compassion, and employment. #Emmys," read the comment.

Another noted, "Patricia Arquette is up here paying tribute to her sister Alexis Arquette, an actress and trans woman who died in 2016, and demanding jobs for trans folks. I love her so much."