Trans Tumblr Users Create Their Own 'Vanity Fair' Covers

Caitlyn Jenner's recently revealed Vanity Fair cover has inspired trans Tumblr users to contribute their own version of the famous July issue. Janet Mock and Laverne Cox have recently released public statements on their websites in support of Jenner's transition, with hopes that mainstream America takes this moment to pay attention to important public health issues that affect trans people.

In a Tumblr post, Laverne Cox says that she hopes Jenner's story will shed light on issues that affect trans women who aren't celebrities, especially trans people of color and the working class: "Most trans folks don’t have the privileges Caitlyn and I have now have. It is those trans folks we must continue to lift up, get them access to healthcare, jobs, housing, safe streets, safe schools and homes for our young people. We must lift up the stories of those most at risk, statistically trans people of color who are poor and working class."

Janet Mock also joined the online discussion, and added: 

There is no doubt that Jenner's story will have an impact, and it already is on Tumblr. These users are following in the footsteps of Jenner and creating their own covers hashtagged "MyVanityFairCover" and using the popular hashtag Jenner used, "CallMeCaitlyn."

Tumblr user Aaron says he is contributing his own “MyVanityFairCover” because it is a "really cool trend to showcase a variety of trans experiences beyond those of the very white, very wealthy, and very lucky." 

"The world only seems to embrace us if we're wealthy enough or lucky enough to adhere to white, cisnormative beauty standards," writes Erin on Tumblr. She says that she's felt frustrated and overwhelmed by opinions on transgender women because of how trans people are "'supposed' to look if we want to be taken seriously." 

Tumblr user Jenn says she is contributing her own Vanity Fair cover in hopes that the hashtag will "show the world the myriad faces of the trans community." 

"I'm a 32 year old white transgender lesbian from Brisbane, Australia," writes Miranda. She hopes that the hashtag will "highlight trans women from different backgrounds around the world." 

Like the Tumblr cover models, Jenner's story is important, but not everyone has the fame, access or privilege that comes with being a white and wealthy trans woman. Janet Mock wrote on her website that it is important to "contextualize and frame her journey so we can better serve a multilayered, intersectional community that doesn’t have the level of access that has enabled Jenner to be seen and heard as her truest self — something every single person should have access to." Check out more contributions to #MyVanityFairCover here. 

H/T Mic.com