Trans advocates Isis King and Janet Mock sat down as part of the LGBT documentary series, In the Life, for a conversation about visibility of trans women today. They discussed media images of trans women, as well as sources of frustration and roadblocks they have encountered in their careers.
A small conversation can go a long way as you can see in the video below. As women like Isis and Janet speak out, it not only builds understanding, but helps countless LGBTQ young people.
Janet shared Isis’ positive outlook on the future, saying “It feels as if finally things are kind of rolling over and changing to show a very diverse portrait of our entire community of LGBT people; that we are everywhere and part of everyone’s homes and lives and societies.” Check out the full segment below.
Isis, who has changed the hearts and minds of so many, also spoke candidly about educating media personalities like Howard Stern about respectful terminology.
Isis King first gained widespread visibility after her modeling skills were showcased on America’s Next Top Model in 2008. She became the show’s first transgender contestant and also appeared on their All-Stars cycle. She is currently working as a model, fashion designer, and actress, and recently appeared in a national American Apparel ad campaign where she showed off how proud she is to be an ally of the gay community.
Janet Mock is a writer and has worked as a staff editor at People.com. She spoke about being trans in Marie Claire last year in the GLAAD Media Award-nominated article, “The Secret I Don’t Want to Keep Anymore.” She also served as a co-chair, nominee, and presenter at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
You can follow the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #girlslikeus.
