It's always important to give a platform to marginalized groups, but as we enter 2017, representation will be more vital than ever (cough, Trump presidency, cough). Which is why it's so refreshing to see National Geographic begin the new year with an issue on gender (aptly called "Gender Revolution")—featuring transgender teen Avery Jackson on the cover.
As the above caption notes, this issue focuses on LGBTQ stories—including that of Jackson who's quoted as saying, "The best thing about being a girl is, now I don't have to pretend to be a boy."
Jackson lives in Kansas with her parents, and is an outspoken advocate of trans issues. Watch the video below to hear the story of how she came out to her family:
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
![ABC's "The Bachelor" - Season 24](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1199124905.jpg?crop=0.564xw:0.353xh;0.0417xw,0.0120xh&resize=480:* "ABC's "The Bachelor" - Season 24")
![ABC's "Bachelor in Paradise" - Season Six](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1150820960.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.335xh;0,0.0726xh&resize=480:* "ABC's "Bachelor in Paradise" - Season Six")
![ABC's "The Bachelor" - Season 24](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1189258160.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.753xh;0,0.138xh&resize=480:* "ABC's "The Bachelor" - Season 24")
![ABC's "The Bachelorette" - Season 15](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1142294056.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.361xh;0,0.0886xh&resize=480:* "ABC's "The Bachelorette" - Season 15")
![ABC's "The Bachelorette" - Season 15](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1158663675.jpg?crop=0.420xw:0.262xh;0.436xw,0.0793xh&resize=480:* "ABC's "The Bachelorette" - Season 15")
