Redefining Realness is a raw, vulnerable, authentic story of one woman’s journey. Janet Mock shares openly about her experiences of growing up trans in a family with plenty of it’s own complexities and challenges, as well a deep love. I was especially touched by her honest portrayal of her parents and her ability to love them as the flawed people they are, while also creating safe space to find her own way.
This book is about more than being trans. It is about a young woman finding her way in the world. It’s about the intersectionality of race, poverty and place. Janet includes her experiences of early sexual abuse and how it impacted her relationship with her self and others as she grew. And she shares openly about several supportive experiences with people she met along the way that may feel controversial to some.
Most importantly, Janet shares her truth. She acknowledges her very real challenges, as well as her areas of privilege. And she acknowledges that her story is simply that, hers. As an advocate for other trans individuals, she gently, but honestly, challenges hurtful ideas about how trans individuals are considered as less than cis gendered individuals.
As she writes, “If a trans woman who knows herself and operates in the world as a woman is seen, perceived, treated and viewed as a woman, isn’t she merely being herself? She isn’t passing; she is merely being.”