New York Times bestselling author Janet Mock is an American writer, producer, director, advocate for trans rights, and the founder of #GirlsLikeUs, a social media project that empowers trans women. Janet gained prominence as a contributing editor for Marie Claire, and for her inspirational memoirs Redefining Realness and Surpassing Certainty. Mock made television history this year as the first trans woman of color to write, direct, and produce a series with Ryan Murphy’s FX drama POSE, which has assembled the largest cast of trans actors in a series.
Coming out publicly as a transperson in 2011, Mock challenged the media’s representation of trans people, educating the unaware and empowering trans people all over the world. For her work as a transgender activist, TIME has named Mock as one of the “100 Most Influential People of 2018”, one of the “30 Most Influential People on the Internet”, and one of the “12 New Faces of Black Leadership”. In 2017, Variety named her one of its “Power of Women”, she was featured on Ebony’s Power 100 list, and the PEN Center USA presented her with an Award of Honor during their 27th annual Literary Awards festival. Mock has also received awards and accolades from the American Library Association, The Center for LGBTQ Studies, GLSEN, and the Feminist Press.
In Statues for Equality, Mock is depicted in a plumeria, a fragrant and ornamental flower that grows in shrubs and small trees. A symbol of female sexuality in ancient Mayan culture, they are loved in Mock’s native Hawaii where they are used to make decorative leis.
Janet Mock's incredible bronze statue is currently on display in Elmwood Village and will then head to its permanent home at the Griffis Sculpture Park & The Essex Art Centre.
