Reppin 5.3: Gina Yashere

Gina Yashere

Gina Yashere was born and raised in London to Nigerian Parents. She is an award winning stand up comic, author, co-creator, writer, co-executive producer and co-stars in the hit Bob Hearts Abishola on CBS.

Gina is well known as a comic and TV star in the UK for numerous years now, with appearances on iconic TV shows such as Live At The Apollo & Mock The Week, as well as creating & performing the hugely popular comedic characters, Tanya & Mrs. Omokerede on The Lenny Henry Show.

She broke onto the American comedy scene with her appearances on Last Comic Standing, you also know her for being the only British comedian to ever appear on the iconic Def Comedy Jam, as well as for her appearances on The Tonight Show & Crashing on HBO. She’s also regularly featured on Comedy Central as the British Correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.

Gina self produced 3 separate 1 hour Stand Up Specials, Skinny B*tch, Laughing To America, & Ticking Boxes, two of which are currently streaming on Netflix.

She’s entertained and made audiences around the world —but what did it take to get here? What kind of sacrifices or compromises did she have to make—or refuse to make? What kind of content does she want to create and why? Meet this amazing woman now.

Gina’s website: https://www.ginayashere.com/

Gina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginayashere/

Gina’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginayashere

Gina’s book Cack Handed: https://www.amazon.com/Cack-Handed-A-Memoir/dp/B08KYKH999/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E7U25Y5DE6ZF&keywords=cack+handed&qid=1642785174&sprefix=better+life+%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1

Reppin 3.5: Aydian Dowling

Aydian Dowling

Aydian Dowling is most known for being the First Transgender Man on the cover of Mens Health Magazine, and appearing on the Ellen Degeneres show, twice! Using his own personal struggles he has given voice to the trans community, documenting his personal transition and sharing it on line. Since then, Aydian has been creating content answering questions and offering insight to those who may still be struggling.

In 2016, Aydian launched PointofPride.org a non profit which helps Transgender individuals around the world through programming and funding to help Trans people live more authentically in their bodies. 

On Reppin, Aydian talks about how he went from hiding who he was, how he summoned the courage to being liberated to live his most authentic life and finding acceptance and love. His story is one about overcoming fears, other people’s expectations and labels to truly embracing who you are.

Aydian’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/AydianDowling

Aydian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alionsfear/

Point Of Pride: https://pointofpride.org/

Aydian’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5IabAzRyXqLpAib13Q2yw

Reppin 2.2: Sherry Cola

Sherry Cola

Sherry cola is a talented comedian, actress, and writer. She has emerged over the last year as a rising star in the entertainment industry. Named a “Fresh Face” at the world-renowned Laugh Factory, “One to Watch” in 2019 by People Magazine, and “11 Asian American Comics Who Need To Be On Your 2020 Radar” by Entertainment Weekly and she has opened for Arsenio Hall and Ronny Chieng.

Currently, you can find her on the hit show Good Trouble as Alice Kwan, a down to earth, selfless, first generation Asian-American lesbian. Sherry is breaking barriers on television as an actress, as a comic and in her real life. Find out how Sherry found her own voice and strength in being true to herself. Meet this breakout star.

Sherry’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/shrrycola

Sherry’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shrrycola/

Reppin 1.6: Benjamin Melzer

Benjamin Melzer

Meet Benjamin Melzer, a model based in Germany. On Instagram, along with 114k followers, you’ll see his fantastic portfolio, work out regimen and his washboard abs. What you don’t see is the inner turmoil he experienced. Born Yvonne Melzer, Benjamin says “I was a boy for as long as I can think.” Struggling for years with never feeling like he was in the right body and never having any sense of inner comfort or peace. But at 23 yrs old, he took the steps towards gender reassignment. After many painful surgeries he became Benjamin. Listen to his journey, how he went from feeling scared and alone to becoming the first transgender model on the cover of Men’s Health Magazine in Germany, see how he’s making a difference and if he’s been able to find peace.

Benjamin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminryanmelzer/?hl=en