GAY & TRANS STARS & THEMES SHINE IN EMMY NOMINATIONS

The list of nominees for the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards has been described as being among the most LGBT-inclusive in the awards’ history.

The nominations, which honour the best in American television, were announced in Hollywood on Thursday.

This year’s list includes a historic first: Laverne Cox became the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in an acting category.

She was recognised for her role as Sophia Burset in the hit series Orange is the New Black (Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series).

In May, Cox became the first transgender person to appear on the cover of Time magazine.

“Today, countless transgender youth will hear the message that they can be who they are and still achieve their dreams – nothing is out of reach,” commented GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, who welcomed news of Cox’s nomination. “Laverne’s success on a hit series is a clear indication that audiences are ready for more trans characters on television,” she said.

The acclaimed television movie The Normal Heart, which depicts the chaos and tragedy that unfolded during the early days of the HIV epidemic, also stood out with a host of nominations, including Outstanding TV Movie. Three of its openly gay stars, Matt Bomer, Joe Mantello and Jim Parsons, were all nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a TV Movie or Mini-Series for their performances. Mark Ruffalo also received a nomination for Outstanding Actor for his role as an HIV/AIDS activist in film.

Parsons, who’s already won three previous Emmys, was also nominated for his comedic work in The Big Bang Theory.

Other openly LGBT stars were among the nominees this year: Kate McKinnon received a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Saturday Night Live. Sarah Paulson was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a TV Movie or Mini-Series for American Horror Story: Coven.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson received another nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for playing gay dad Mitchell on Modern Family, while Nathan Lane received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for the same show.

Tim Gunn (Project Runway) and Jane Lynch (Hollywood Game Night) were each nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality Program.

Orange is the New Black and Modern Family were both nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. Other LGBT-inclusive shows that were honoured included Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, and Saturday Night Live.

LGBT talent behind the camera was also acknowledged: The Normal Heart’s Ryan Murphy was nominated for Outstanding Directing for a TV-Movie or Mini-Series while Paris Barclay and Jodie Foster were nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for episodes of Glee and Orange is the New Black.

The awards will be handed out Monday, 25 August.