Janet Mock is a pioneering Black and Native Hawaiian author, director, and activist who has fundamentally reshaped global LGBTQ+ representation. Born in Honolulu, Mock rose to prominence with her 2014 memoir, Redefining Realness, which broke ground as a New York Times best-selling account of a young trans woman’s journey. Three years later, her book Surpassing
Certainty came out. Her work consistently centers on intersectionality, exploring how race, gender, and socio-economic status converge. In Hollywood, Mock made history as the first trans woman of color to write and direct for television through the FX series Pose. Her 2019 landmark deal with Netflix (Hollywood, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story) further cemented her role as a powerhouse producer.
Beyond the screen, she remains a vocal advocate for the safety and visibility of trans women of color, notably through the #GirlsLikeUs social media campaign. In late 2025, Mock continued her advocacy as a keynote speaker for major fundraisers supporting housing and gender-based violence services, ensuring marginalized stories remain at the forefront of the cultural narrative. Mock serves on the boards of the Brooklyn Museum and the Arcus Foundation.
