Janet Mock

Janet Mock is a writer, director, and television host known for her work in the LGBTQ+ community and as a leading voice in the trans rights movement.

Mock was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up in a low-income, multiracial community. She transitioned at 18 and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she studied journalism and women's studies. After college, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in media, where she began working as a staff editor at People.com.

In 2011, Mock wrote an article for Marie Claire about her experiences as a trans woman, which received widespread attention and brought her to the national spotlight as a leading voice in the trans rights movement. She later wrote a memoir, "Redefining Realness," which was released in 2014 and became a New York Times bestseller.

In addition to her writing, Mock has also worked as a television host and producer. She was a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and hosted the late-night talk show So POPular! on the MSNBC digital network. In 2019, she signed an overall deal with Netflix and has produced and directed several series, including the critically acclaimed "Pose."

Mock has also been involved in advocacy and activism for the LGBTQ+ community and trans rights. She has served as a board member for the Arcus Foundation, which works to advance social justice and conservation causes. In addition, she is a founding member of the Trans Women of Color Collective.

In addition to her work in the media and LGBTQ+ rights movement, Janet Mock has also been recognized for her contributions to the feminist movement. She has spoken about the intersectionality of identities and the importance of including marginalized voices in the conversation about women's rights. In 2019, she was honored with the Women's Media Center's "Progressive Women's Voices" award for her journalist, writer, and advocate work.

Mock has also been a vocal advocate for healthcare access and rights for trans individuals. She has spoken about the barriers that trans people face in accessing healthcare, including discrimination and lack of knowledge among healthcare providers. She has also advocated expanding access to hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries for trans individuals.

In recent years, Mock has also been active in the Black Lives Matter movement and has spoken about the intersection of race and trans identity. In addition, she has called attention to how the Black trans community is disproportionately impacted by violence and discrimination and has advocated for increased visibility and support for Black trans individuals.

Janet Mock is a powerful and influential figure in the media industry and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. She is known for her ability to tell stories that bring visibility and understanding to marginalized communities and for her activism and advocacy for trans rights, health care access, and intersectional feminism. She continues to be an important voice in these movements and a role model to many.