Because trans people are marked as artificial, unnatural, and illegitimate, our bodies and identities are often open to public dissection. Plainly, cisgender folks often take it as their duty to investigate our lives to see if we're real. Janet Mock More Quotes by Janet Mock More Quotes From Janet Mock We cannot and should not be reduced to just one sliver of ourselves, as it skews the truth of our lived experiences. Janet Mock cannot just just-one truth Trans folk, especially of color, should not be obligated to help cis folk play catch-up on our experiences. The effort can detract from our work to protect and liberate ourselves. Janet Mock effort color play work If anyone can be said to embody the American Dream, it's Kim Kardashian West. Janet Mock american american-dream dream said I want to create the content I didn't have while growing up. Janet Mock content create growing-up want I think about Ellen DeGeneres, seeing her every single day on a show. Her identity is there every day, but what leads the way is her talent and how much you like her. Janet Mock day you talent identity As an activist who uses storytelling to combat stigma, I have always been adamant that we tell our own stories. Janet Mock own who tell always It was through my hashtag #girlslikeus where I connected with other trans women on Twitter and Tumblr. We had challenging conversations, courageous personal revelations, and shared insights and experiences, and just had fun. The hashtag tethered me to many women in my community in impactful, lasting ways. Janet Mock me women community fun