Jake Graf, the London-based writer and director has put together a new video for Trans Day of Visibility which is today. The video features some of the trans community’s brightest, most vocal and most visible speakers, activists and models talking frankly about their insecurities, worries, fears, and what helps them stay positive.
“I think it’s important to show that we all have our own insecurities, fears and concerns, and that we all occasionally have to work to stay positive,” said Graf. “We wanted to make this video to give hope to other people struggling with their identity, gender or even sexuality, that it’s okay to be different, and that it’s better to embrace those differences, rather than fighting against them. Just be yourself, there is light at the end of the tunnel!”
Watch the video above.
Details of cast:
Jake Graf:
Jake is a writer and director based in London.
Jake’s first film, ‘XWHY’, which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in, premiered at Flare, and was nominated for The Iris Prize.
‘Brace’, his third screenplay, which he also produced and starred in, has so far screened at 56 film festivals worldwide, was Jake’s second Iris Prize nominated screenplay, and won Best Short at Queer-Streifen festival, Germany, and the Kinsey Award at the Bloomington Pride Film Festival, Indiana.
‘Chance’, his fourth screenplay, which he also directed, has screened at 35 film festivals, winning numerous Best Short and Audience/Jury favourite awards.
His first Youtube video, ‘What It’s Like Being Transgender’ reached 300K views online, and he has this year written for GNI, QX and FTM Magazines, as well as Cosmopolitan online.
Jake has just completed his 5th short film, ‘Dawn’ as writer/director and continues to be an active advocate for the Trans community.
Laith Ashley:
Laith Ashley is a Brooklyn based model and trans activist, who recently went viral across the internet with his hot and rather revealing black and white shots, widely daubed as ‘one of the most beautiful men alive’, and gaining a huge Instagram following. Laith was one of the stars of the recent New York Fashion Week, and continues working as a model, whilst also speaking out about his experiences and transition in Universities and LGBT centres across the US and recently at London’s Kingston University.
Evie Andrew:
Evie Andrew is a blogger and blogger based in Brighton. She was recently part of the BBC’s ‘Body Positive’ series, speaking frankly and openly about her transition, and inspiring other young trans women to be proud of their bodies, and who they are. She was one of the stars of the recent ‘What It’s Like Being Transgender’ videos, and continues to speak out about issues affecting younger trans women.
Kieran Moloney:
Kieran Damien Moloney is an out and proud trans man, who works tirelessly within the community and beyond to promote awareness and understanding of trans issues. Having started his transition at a young age, Kieran survived a transphobic attack as a 16 year old which left him hospitalised, and, determined that no one would ever hurt him physically again, he began bodybuilding to align his body with his gender. An avid Youtuber, he gives advice to young trans men, as well as diet and fitness plans to help other young trans people feel comfortable in their bodies.
Munroe Bergdorf:
Munroe Bergdorf is a London based DJ, model, proud feminist and trans activist, who this month became the first trans woman to model for Uniqlo, and is now one of the faces of their current Uniqlo 331 campaign.
Hannah Winterbourne:
Captain Hannah Winterbourne is the highest ranking transgender officer in the British Army, and is also the Transgender Representative for the British Army, which involves developing trans policies, educating Senior Officers on trans issues and mentoring junior trans soldiers through their transition.
Hannah has been incredibly open about her transition and has been an advocate for positive inclusion in the workplace and wider society. She has appeared in national newspapers and has talked about her story on national TV programmes such as Lorraine and the Victoria Derbyshire
Show and has spoken at many events including Trans Pride and Student Pride and overall used her profile to inspire others, showing that you can be trans and happy.
