Janet Mock Says 'Respectability Politics Won't Save Us' After ‘Pose’ Snubbed By NAACP Image Awards

Janet Mock is responding to the news that Pose was snubbed by the NAACP Image Awards — and she doesn’t think it was a mere oversight. The Black trans activist and writer — who is also a producer of the hit FX show—- took to her Twitter on Thursday to call out the NAACP soon after the Image Awards nominations were announced earlier in the week. “I, too, am disappointed that our own refuse to truly see us, largely I assume, b/c we are as unapologetically trans & queer as we are black,” she wrote. “Respectability politics won’t save us. We good, though, writing another season centering ourselves like no series has done before.” Pose was immediately praised by critics when it debuted last year, and recognized for its great storytelling alongside the strong representation of the LGBTQ community. It also made history in 2017 by casting the largest number of transgender actors in a regular series. The show has SINCE been nominated for two Golden Globes, a GLAAD Media Award, a Gotham Independent Film Award, and two Critics Choice Awards. “The NAACP Image Awards works with networks, studios, and other industry professionals to make sure we receive nominations that promote the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, as well as those who promote social justice, diversity and inclusion through their creative work,” Robin Harrison, acting director of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau, told Out in an emailed statement about the omission after confirming that the show was both eligible and submitted for consideration. “Each year, our vast field of eligible submissions are voted on by a general committee of NAACP and industry representatives. As an organization, the NAACP is proud of shows like Pose that are breaking new ground and bringing issues that impact the LGBTQ community to the forefront of public consciousness,” he added.