Janet Jackson has been taking her place in front of the camera since the late ’70s, but in her newest role, she’ll be reaching audiences from behind the scenes.
The 46-year-old singer/actress is expanding her executive producer credentials as she begins production on Truth, a documentary chronicling the lives of trans-and non-gendered people around the world and their struggle for equality.
Jackson was previously executive producer of The Rhythm Nation Compilation in 1990.
“All people are very important to me. I’ve been fortunate to make friends and learn about very different lives,” she said in a recent interview. “‘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.”
Jackson will team up with director Robert Jason for the upcoming project and will also conduct some of the on-camera interviews.
“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,” said Jason. “This film will highlight landmark mainstream stories and provide a glimpse at others that will change the gender landscape of the world forever.
He added, “Just as it is hard to believe that there 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.”
Production for Truth begins this summer.