Avery Jackson, an 8 yr old transgender girl, makes history as the first trans person ever featured on a National Geographic cover!
“By putting myself more out there, people will be able to know that I am transgender and proud and learn more about transgender issues.” -Avery Jackson via USA Today
Previously, Avery and her family have been featured in the HumanRightsCampaign’s video series Moms for Transgender Equality. Her mother, Debi Jackson, is also on the HumanRightsCampaign’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council. “God gave us this gift of a child to open our eyes and expand our world view,” Debi told the HumanRightsCampaign. Watch Debi’s full interview below.
Regarding the decision to choose gender as the January issue’s topic, Susan Goldberg, current Editor in Chief of National Geographic Magazine and the first woman to hold the position, wrote in USA TODAY:
“The story of gender plays out all around us. More and more, celebrities are shining a spotlight on the subject. But more quietly, our children, parents, teachers, medical professionals, and officials every day confront an array of issues with gender at the center. Everywhere we looked, in the U.S. and around the globe, individuals and organizations are fighting to redefine traditional gender roles, whether it is girls in war-torn Sierra Leone rejecting the cultural norm of female genital mutilation and child marriage, men in Sweden making use of extended paternal leave after having a child, or people who reject binary, boy-girl labels and find their true identity elsewhere on a gender spectrum.” — Susan Goldberg via USA Today
For the issue, National Geographic interviewed 80 children in 8 different countries. Coverage on the topic will be cross platform including digital, print, and an original documentary. 👇
Take a Sneak Peek at National Geographic’s documentary: Gender Revolution: Journey With Katie Couric Sneak Peek:
About the scope of coverage, Goldberg writes:
Our award-winning news team will expand on the coverage with videos, interactives, a glossary, and maps — including a first-of-its-kind map that takes a look at the legality of gender change around the globe. And I hope our footprint as the number one non-celebrity brand on social media will spark thoughtful conversations around the world. — Susan Goldberg via USA Today
