Janet Mock

Janet Mock (born March 10, 1983) is an American writer, television host, director, producer, and transgender rights activist. She gained recognition for her debut memoir, Redefining Realness, which became a New York Times bestseller. Mock has contributed as a contributing editor for Marie Claire and previously worked as a staff editor for People magazine's website. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mock is the second child in her family. Her father, Charlie Mock III, is African-American, while her mother, Elizabeth Barrett, is of Portuguese, Asian, and Native Hawaiian descent. Mock spent most of her youth in Hawaii, with some time in Oakland, California and Dallas. She began her transition in high school and supported her medical journey with earnings from sex work during her teens.