MTV unveiled an entire week’s worth of anti-bias programming to lead up to its documentary project “Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word.”
The programming will also air on MTV2, mtvU and Logo TV to create a week’s worth of offerings centered around its “Look Different” initiative, which promotes tolerance and shines a spotlight on race, gender and anti-LGBT bias.
Also read: Laverne Cox Explores Transgender Issues in ‘The T Word’ First Trailer (Video)
The campaign kicks off Monday, with mtvU comedian Quinn Marcus interviewing college students about a variety of hot-button issues, and concludes Friday, Oct. 17 with “The T Word,” a one-hour special hosted by “Orange Is the New Black” star Laverne Cox. In it, the Emmy nominated star will discuss transgender issues and share the stories of several transgender young people.
“Girl Code” will devote an entire episode to race Wednesday and the entire network will “go purple” on-air Thursday, Oct. 16, which has been dubbed Spirit Day. Viacom’s Times Square jumbotron will turn purple and run an anti-bullying message as part of MTV’s parent company’s efforts to take a stand against bullying and to show support for LGBT youth.
Also read: CW Diversity Scorecard: Better But Still Whiter, Less Gay Than Its Target Audience
Plus, MTV and Logo TV will host a special Twitter chat featuring Laverne Cox on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 1:00 p.m.
As TheWrap previously reported, GLAAD recently published a TV diversity study and MTV was one of the networks that earned the highest marks, because it featured so many LGBT actors and characters on its programs.
See the full “Look Different” programming line-up below:
Monday, October 13:
“Look Different” Takes Over mtvU with Debut of New Bias-Themed “Quinnterviews”:
Comedian, host, and Good Look Panelist Quinn Marcus has teamed up with MTV’s Look Different campaign to bring you a special “Quinnterviews” from CSU Dominguez-Hills, where she’ll explore how Millennials view equality today, and hear how they’re experiencing racial, gender, and anti-LGBT bias. In addition, viewers will see “Look Different”-themed Need2Know factoids airing throughout the week on the network, to educate them on the issue.Tuesday, October 14:
First Cross-Network Twitter Conversation with Laverne Cox:
In advance of her guest appearance on MTV’s “Faking It” later that night, Laverne Cox will engage in a lively Twitter discussion with multiple MTV and Logo TV Twitter handles, including @MTV, @LookDifferent, @LogoTV, @MTVfakingit and @MTVact, at 1:00 p.m. ET for a 30-minute, no holds barred Q&A on her experiences and why living your truth is important.The new episode of MTV’s “Faking It” will air at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT and feature the “Orange is the New Black” breakout star playing the part of “Margot,” director of Hester High’s elite drama club. The series is charting new territory this season as they introduce the first intersex lead character on television.
Wednesday, October 15:
MTV’s “Girl Code” Race Episode
MTV’s hit series “Girl Code” is dedicating an entire episode to race, with the cast mates opening up about their personal experiences with racial bias. The hilarious cast, many of whom are Good Look Panelists, break down stereotypes, microaggressions, and interracial dating. The show will premiere at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.Thursday, October 16:
MTV, MTV2, mtvU and Logo TV Go Purple for Spirit Day
For the fourth year in a row, MTV will be supporting Spirit Day. To take a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth, MTV, MTV2, Logo TV and mtvU will “go purple” on-air and online in support of Spirit Day, and Viacom’s Times Square jumbotron will turn purple and run an anti-bullying message.Friday, October 17:
“Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word” Premiere on MTV and Logo TV:
On Friday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT, MTV and Logo TV will simultaneously premiere “Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word.” Hosted and executive produced by Emmy-nominated actress and transgender advocate Laverne Cox, the one-hour documentary will take viewers inside the lives of seven transgender youth. Ranging in age from 12 to 24, and hailing from across the country, each subject will share their determination to live their lives authentically, as the person they are meant to be. With varying levels of parental and social support, the documentary explores the intersection of transgender identities and race through each individual’s journey as they overcome challenges such as coming out, bullying, and anti-transgender violence.