“Throughout elementary and middle school, I was used to hearing other words: Smart. Studious. Well-spoken. Well-read. They became pillars of my self-confidence, enabling me to build myself up on what I contributed rather than what I looked like.”

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.