“I felt validated by Janet’s Breakfast Club interview, because her experiences were very similar to the characters I wrote about and solidified the feelings, lifestyle, desires and surface issues that were

“I felt validated by Janet’s Breakfast Club interview, because her experiences were very similar to the characters I wrote about and solidified the feelings, lifestyle, desires and surface issues that were portrayed in the book. I also thought that how she articulated being a trans woman is going to shift so many people’s ideas about trans people,” Miasha shares. “I think Janet Mock may give trans women more courage to come out and be open, but, depending on the social circle of the trans woman, I think it still may be difficult for some.”

However, Miasha did feel that Janet should have addressed the decision and repercussions of coming out to a straight man after she has already had sex with them. “In her experience the man continued to date her, and that’s perfectly fine, I do understand that she was speaking from her experience, so I do not hold that against her, but I think she should have mentioned why it is important to come out sooner in order for the man to have a choice rather than put him in a position of his choice being made for him,” Miasha states firmly. “It can be a dangerous thing for trans women. I don’t think that the idea of a man having sex with a trans woman without knowing and then finding out later should be overlooked. It can do damage to his psyche, which could be destructive. It’s a very real emotion that can lead to a very real consequence for all parties involved.”

According to theHuman Rights Campaign website, in 2017, more than 20 reported transgenders were fatally shot or killed by other violent means. This is something that has to change. “Change must first come from society. We have to be accepting of trans people starting within our families,” Miasha advises. “If families are more accepting then [trans people] won’t be forced to be in the streets and work in seedy industries that further perpetuate the negative perceptions of trans people. Once the world embraces trans people fully, trans people will not have to hide, and those who love trans people will not have to keep it a secret. And getting to know trans people will also help, of course, as with any group of people who tend to be misrepresented by perceptions.”