Author, director, TV host, producer and trans rights activist Janet Mock will be visiting NMU’s campus on Monday, Feb. 25 for “An Evening with Janet Mock” to spread support to others struggling in the LGBT community. The event is sponsored by Platform Personalities and the Student Finance Committee and the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Jamrich room 1100.
In 2014, Mock debuted on the New York Times bestseller’s list for her memoir “Redefining Realness.” Released in 2017 was her second book called “Surpassing Certainty.” She is also the founder of #GirlsLikeUs, a social media project that empowers
trans women.
“I’ve worked for the past two years to bring Janet to our campus and this year, with the help of the Diversity Common Reader Program and Platform Personalities, we were able to choose her memoir, Redefining Realness, to focus our programming on this year and bring her to campus to discuss her journey,” Jump Start Team Leader of the Multicultural Education and Resource Center (MERC) Madeline Wiles said.
To Wiles, Mock’s journey was the first story she experienced that she said validated her own paths and feelings.
“As a transgender woman, there aren’t many role models to look up to during their transition. For me, Janet Mock was my role model who guided me through the struggles and hardships I faced with my family, friends and myself,” Wiles said. “Her work is a beacon for hope to the younger generations of transgender youth.”
Mock brings in raw and truthful experiences that bring awareness to the transgender community, Wiles said, adding that’s especially true for transgender women of color.
Admission is free for students with an NMU ID, and $2 for the general public. For more information on Monday’s event, contact Rachel Harris at 906-227-6543.
