“I was six years old when 'The Little Mermaid' was released in 1989 and was immediately struck by the fiery-maned, melodic-voiced, tail-swinging mermaid protagonist. She spoke to me on levels deeper than her father's oceanic kingdom.”

American writer, television producer, and transgender rights activist

Janet Mock is an American writer, television producer, and transgender rights activist. She is known for her work in media and for her memoir, Redefining Realness, which became a New York Times bestseller. Mock has written and produced for television, and she has worked in journalism as a contributing editor at Marie Claire. She was also a staff editor for People magazine’s website. Her work has centered on storytelling, representation, and transgender rights.