Janet Jackson has been gracing the big screen for years, but now the superstar is jumping behind the scenes and shedding light on an oft-neglected community as reports reveal that Jackson is set to executive produce an upcoming documentary that will help “stop the hate and find understanding” toward transgender people.
According to the Advocate, the documentary, which will be directed by Robert Jason, will be titled Truth and is described as “a journey through the lives of trans- and nongendered people around the world and their epic struggle for equality.”
Jackson’s new endeavor comes as the latest in a long line of LGBT advocacy acts for the star. Jackson, who has openly spoken about her own sexual curiosity, famously explored themes of sexuality and homophobia on her 1997 album The Velvet Rope and has long been an activist in LGBT rights and causes.
“All people are very important to me,” Jackson said in a statement released to the media. “I’ve been fortunate to make friends and learn about very different lives. Truth is our small chance to ask that you try and understand someone who lives their life in a way that is a little bit different from yours, even though all of our hearts are the same. We want to stop the hate and find understanding.”
And the film’s director, Robert Jason, is more than happy to have a star like Jackson attached to the project.
“Janet Jackson will take us on a visually innovative, cerebral journey through the turbulent lives of transgendered people of all ages around the world and their epic struggle for equality,” he says. “This film will highlight landmark mainstream stories and provide a glimpse at others that will change the gender landscape of the world forever. Just as it is hard to believe that there ever was a time when different components of society were required to use separate drinking fountains, it is as incredible that one’s gender expression remains just such a target for discrimination.”
Truth is expected to go into production this summer.
We salute Jackson for continuing to use her star power to bring awareness to other minority populations and for fighting against discrimination. And like Jackson, below are some other black stars who are breaking down the walls of discrimination with their star power. –nicholas robinson
