Transgender people want to exist without having to prove they are 'real'

[Olivia P]

Janet Mock explains why 'passing' isn't a compliment: it's accepting the narrative that trans people are trying to deceive

Jessica Valenti
theguardian.com, Friday 20 June 2014 12.15 BST

Janet Mock is the author of the best-selling book, Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More. The New York-based, Hawaii-born Mock came out as a trans woman in a 2011 Marie Claire article and since has dedicated her time to raising awareness around the issues facing trans women and girls, launching the #GirlsLikeUs movement on Twitter. In 2012 alone, she was nominated for a Glaad Media Award, named to OUT magazine's Out 100 List and listed as one of The Grio's 100 most influential African-Americans. She also keeps a pretty fantastic Instagram account.

Mock talked to me the other day about what it feels like to be made into a spokesperson for an entire community, her interview with Piers Morgan in which he focused almost entirely on her genitals, and the problem with the notion of "passing".

More: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/20/transgender-janet-mock-passing-realness

[Vicky]

The final line in this sums up so much of what we really want, to be safe wherever we go and whatever we do.

[Jill F]

I really liked Janet's book and getting her take on the whole transgender experience, which was quite different than mine, to say the least.

Her resolve and resiliency were amazing and inspirational, and this book should be required reading around here. 

[PoeticHeart]

1) I adore Janet Mock.

2) I've always thought the same about passing. "I would have never known!" or "You're so pretty, how did that happen?" Like... yeah, just shut up and move along, fool.

[gennee]

Passing is something I hardly think about. I just go around being myself. Never try to prove I'm real because AM real.

[helen2010]

Passing is something I hardly think about. I just go around being myself. Never try to prove I'm real because AM real.

My only concerns are growth, living an authentic life, and being fully present.  The opinions of others and their need for 'proof' is not an issue in my life. This is my reality.

Aisla

[Shana A]

I als

I really liked Janet's book and getting her take on the whole transgender experience, which was quite different than mine, to say the least.

Her resolve and resiliency were amazing and inspirational, and this book should be required reading around here. 

I likewise really liked Janet's book, she provides a great window into her life and experience and doesn't shy away from difficult aspects. I agree about her book being required reading!

Shana