Janet Mock

Janet Mock is one of the most visible and important voices in activism—not just for the trans community, but for women, people of color, LGBTQ people and marginalized communities everywhere. From her brilliant books (Redefining Realness and Surpassing Certainty) to her invigorating speeches, she does not placate bigotry or misogyny by approaching it politely, as if there are two sides to equality. She fights for people who have not been fortunate enough to be accepted for who they are. It is a never-ending battle, and she does not waver in the face of it.

I’ve dressed Janet for the Oscars, the GLAAD Awards and the cover of Surpassing Certainty, but one of my favorite memories with her was when she and her husband Aaron came to my country house in Connecticut last summer. She spent the entire weekend poolside in a bikini, reading through and taking notes in a work binder she had brought from the city. She was preparing for an interview and wanted to get it right so badly, she couldn’t stop working, even on a mini vacation. She and I are a lot alike that way: it’s hard to relax when you love your work.

To me, Janet is a hero, a thoughtful friend and a sympathetic ear. I could not be more in awe of her accomplishments and excited for her future.

Siriano is a fashion designer