Janet Mock Is the First Black Trans Woman to Score an Overall Deal With a Major Studio

Janet Mock (opens in new tab) just gave everyone the best Pride present there is: representation. The author, writer, director and producer of the hit show Pose (opens in new tab) announced that she would be embarking on a three-year multimillion-dollar project with Netflix, according to Variety.  (opens in new tab)This makes Mock the first Black and out trans woman to secure an overall deal with a major studio.

“As someone who grew up in front of the TV screen, whether that was watching talk shows or family sitcoms or VHS films, I never thought that I would be embraced,” Mock said (opens in new tab).“And more than embraced. Given not just a seat at the table but a table of my own making.

Earlier today, the Twitter account @StrongBlackLead, Netflix's initiative to represent Black content and audiences, announced the monumental partnership with a video from Mock.

The internet basically exploded after the announcement:

Mock didn't spill too much tea about the type of content she'd be creating. But according to the video and Variety (opens in new tab), a college drama centered around a young trans woman, a post-slavery abolition series set in New Orleans and classic sitcom reboot are all in the works.

"As a best-selling author, producer and director, Janet Mock has demonstrated she knows how to bring her vision to thrilling, vivid life,” Cindy Holland, Netflix VP of original content, told Variety (opens in new tab). “She’s a groundbreaker and creative force who we think will fit right in here at Netflix.”

Mock's deal with Netflix also includes executive producing and directing Hollywood, created by Pose's Ryan Murphy. Mock, of course, will also continue to write, direct and produce Pose which was recently renewed for a third season following it's season 2 premiere, according to People. (opens in new tab)

Happy Pride, everyone!

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