When Janet Mock came out as a trans woman in Marie Claire back in 2011, the former PEOPLE Magazine editor probably had no idea that her life and career would be what it is now.
From a popular news web series on MSNBC to two New York Times best-selling books to an Oprah Super Soul Sunday sit down to writing, directing and producing for the hit FX ballroom drama Pose, the Hawaii native is living her best life…and showing other Black trans women that they too can live out their dreams.
Oh, and did we mention that Mock is the first trans woman to secure a landmark deal with Netflix? It’s through that work that she’ll develop a larger slate of projects with trans characters as the central focal point. We can’t wait to see what she comes up with!
Last month at the Essence Women in Hollywood Luncheon, the cast of Pose was honored, the first Black trans women in the event’s 13-year-history. Speaking on behalf of the show, Mock made sure to use that moment to highlight the violence that too many Black women and girls face.
“In the world that we see, all Black girls are protected and nurtured, liberated and centered. We are centered because we matter. We are centered because our own liberation as Black people, regardless of our gender or sexuality, lies in the well being and survival of all our sisters. Especially those most vulnerable and most overlooked,” she said.
Mock is the perfect combination of bravery and brains, but she also knows how to shut down a red carpet too. Like her promising career, sis’ fashion has evolved over time. So for her birthday (March 10), we want to celebrate all that is stylish and special about this amazing Black trans sista!
Take a look: