Transgender advocate, writer Janet Mock to speak at URI Friday, Feb. 13

Talk part of weeklong activities hosted by Gender & Sexuality Center

Elizabeth Rau, URI

KINGSTON, R.I. –Janet Mock, a transgender advocate, writer and MSNBC host, will speak about her new book and growing up as a transgender girl, at the University of Rhode Island on Friday, Feb. 13.

The talk at 4 p.m. at the Agnes G. Doody Auditorium in Swan Hall is free and open to the public. Mock will also sign copies of her new critically acclaimed book, Redefining Illness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More.

Mock first told her story of growing up as a transgender girl in 2011 in Marie Claire magazine and released her book last year. She is also the host of a weekly popular culture show, So POPular!, featured on MSNBC’s all-digital network.

Two years ago, Mock launched #GirlsLikeUs, a social movement aimed at transgender women. The Advocate named her as one of the 50 most influential LGBT people in media, and she was named one of TIME magazine’s 12 new faces of African-American leadership.

Born in Honolulu, Mock attended the University of Hawaii and earned her master’s degree in journalism from New York University. She worked as a staff editor for People.com, the magazine’s website.

Her talk is part of the Gender & Sexuality Center’s annual symposium, featuring speakers, activities and gatherings throughout the week. This year’s theme is “Navigating Ourselves: Exploring the Intersections.’’

On Friday, Feb. 13, an advanced safe zone workshop will be held in the Memorial Union, Room 318. (Only those who attended a safe zone workshop 101 can participate.)

Click here for a full list of events or call 401-874-2894.

Pictured above: Janet Mock, a transgender advocate, writer and MSNBC host, will speak at the University of Rhode Island Feb. 13 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Agnes G. Doody Auditorium in Swan Hall.