On April 14, 2023, Time magazine revealed that Imara Jones, founder & CEO of TransLash Media, is among those honored in this year’s Time 100, which honors influential figures in areas such as the arts, government, journalism, and activism.
Artist and activist Tourmaline wrote for the magazine about Jones’ history in journalism and her pioneering LGBTQ+ activism. Below is an excerpt from Imara’s interview with them.us.
Speaking with Them on Thursday, Jones said her inclusion was “beyond what I expected,” and that she was “still processing” the news, reconciling it with the climate of hostility trans people around the world currently face.
“I am mindful of the fact that I did not get here alone,” Jones told Them. “Countless people both still with us and not, have made both me and my work possible. So we have to live our lives boldly as trans people because they could always not.”
For Jones, journalism — and storytelling writ large — can save lives (explore our latest campaign: #AntiTransHateMachine), “because stories dictate how we [see] ourselves and the world around us,” as she told Them. Because of the power of that representation, she said, “telling trans stories is essential to creating a society that is open for us and where we can thrive. And Black trans perspectives are essential to that.” Read more here.
ABOUT IMARA JONES: VIDEOS TO WATCH
Imara Jones has been making a difference in the world for decades. However, if you’re just discovering Imara for the first time, here is a collection of videos to learn more about her background, journalism, leadership, and activism.
2022 National Association of Black Journalists Salute To Excellence Awards Gala
Imara Jones was awarded the Journalist of Distinction Award at the 2022 National Association of Black Journalists Salute To Excellence Awards Gala. Imara is the first ever (known) trans person to receive this award.
The Laura Flanders Show: ‘Imara Jones: The Anti-Trans Hate Machine’ (2022)
2022 will go down in history for the number of anti-trans bills introduced into state legislatures. Over 300 bills banning books, medical treatment, even access to the bathroom, were introduced. As extremists crank up the volume on hate — trans people, especially trans women of color, are facing an onslaught of violence. In this episode, Laura asked Imara Jones what impacts these restrictions and increased control have on all of us.
Imara Jones’ letter for Trans Kids (2022)
Imara Jones spoke directly to trans kids this holiday season as part of the #Letters4TransKids campaign by Ina Fried. Share this video with any TGNC youth who may need extra light and love.
Apple Podcasts Spotlight: TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones (2022)
TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones was chosen as an Apple Podcasts Spotlight Feature in 2022; only 12 podcasts are featured by Apple each year in this way. Be sure to listen to our latest episodes: apple.co/translash
Imara Jones moderating ‘Gender Diversity Beyond Binaries’ at United Nations headquarters (2019)
In this clip, Imara Jones breaks down what TransLash is and sets the stage as moderator for #BeyondBinaries: the first-ever high-level meeting on gender diversity and non-binary identities held at United Nations headquarters in New York (July 15, 2019). Additionally, watch the full archived video on YouTube with captions.
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