'National Geographic' Just Debuted Their First Trans Cover Star

Trans representation is vital as we enter 2017.

By Mehera Bonner

Dec 16, 2016

Getty Images

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.

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Photo @hammond_robin for @natgeo “The best thing about being a girl is, now I don’t have to pretend to be a boy” says Avery Jackson who I photographed for #NationalGeographic's special issue on Gender. Delighted to see her photo on the January 2017 cover - the first time a #transgender person has appeared on the front of the magazine. My contribution to the issue is a story about 9 year old boys and girls around the world. Check out the magazine for brilliant writing from the likes of Eve Conant and @aokeowo and amazing photography from some of the greats including @stephsinclairpix, @petekmuller, @kitracahana, @johanbavman.For a few years now I’ve been documenting #LGBTQI+ stories around the world. You can see those by following @whereloveisillegal #GenderRevolution @noorimages

A post shared by National Geographic (@natgeo) on Dec 15, 2016 at 2:53pm PST

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: