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# "I have a duty to speak out": Alan Cumming wins Emmy and makes bold statement with Trans Pride pin
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/i-have-a-duty-to-speak-out-alan-cumming-wins-emmy-and-makes-bold-statement-with-trans-pride-pin/
- Published: 2025-09-15T08:53:40.000Z
- Updated: 2025-09-15T09:00:38.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: Culture

Scottish actor and presenter **Alan Cumming** made headlines at the **77th Primetime Emmy Awards** not only for his historic win but also for his powerful show of solidarity with the trans community.

Cumming took home the Emmy for **Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program** for his role on *The Traitors*, a breakout hit on **Peacock**. In doing so, he ended **RuPaul**’s eight-year reign in the category, marking a significant shift in the reality TV landscape.

But it wasn’t just the award that caught attention. On the red carpet and during his acceptance speech, Cumming wore a striking accessory: a decorative medal styled like a military honour, adorned with the pastel blue, pink, and white stripes of the transgender flag. The pin, which read “Not a Phase”, was a subtle yet defiant message in support of trans rights.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/86157474007-0250914-emmys-alan-cumming.jpg-1.webp)

Speaking to *Variety* on the red carpet, Cumming explained, “It’s got trans colours, and it says ‘not a phase’, because \[being trans\] is not. I feel I have a duty to speak out for people who are less fortunate than me - and especially right now, with trans people in this country, who are being persecuted so unnecessarily and unfairly”.

During his acceptance speech, Cumming thanked the cast and crew of *The Traitors*, many of whom filmed in challenging Scottish weather, and gave a heartfelt nod to fans who host themed parties and dress up as him. “We see you, we love you,” he said. “It’s a difficult time we live in, but it’s so great that our show brings a little bit of joy into this life”.

*The Traitors* also won **Outstanding Competition Program**, beating out long-time favourites like *RuPaul’s Drag Race*, *Survivor*, and *Top Chef*. 

Alan Cumming will soon star alongside **David Morrissey** in **Russell T Davies**' bold new LGBTQ+ drama ***Tip Toe*** on Channel 4\. 

[Alan Cumming and David Morrissey to lead cast of Russell T Davies’ bold new LGBTQ+ drama ‘Tip Toe’Channel 4 has announced a compelling new drama from acclaimed writer Russell T Davies, titled Tip Toe, with celebrated actors Alan Cumming and David Morrissey leading the cast. The five-part series, currently filming in Manchester, promises to be a gripping exploration of modern tensions and re-emerging prejudices within British society.![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/icon/Logo-Icon-60.png)Scene MagazineGraham Robson![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/thumbnail/77559_S1_-Embargoed-1600-Thursday-4th-Sept---Tip-Toe---Readthrough.jpg)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/alan-cumming-and-david-morrissey-to-lead-cast-of-russell-t-davies-bold-new-lgbtq-drama-tip-toe/)