Transgender Issues

It has been roughly 24 hours since I first saw the Vanity Fair cover that allowed Caitlyn Jenner to introduce herself to the world, I haven't stopped thinking about transgender issues, and I'm still thinking about it. Like, relentlessly.

So, I've decided to do some research, to educate myself on the statistics (which are horrifying), the people, and the issues they face so that I can help in any way. 

I'm not transgender. I am a cis woman, straight, white and non-disabled. Besides the whole gender thing, I have it alright in terms of oppression. But that does not mean that I cannot be a supporter.

I am a massive fan of Orange is the New Black and all it is doing for representaation for women, especially gay women or women of colour. And I'm sure you know what's coming next....

LAVERNE COX. 

Her recent Tumblr post made me think about the struggle transgender people face. Every single day. Not just in America or the UK, but everywhere. 

She is such an eloquent writer and such a fantastic advocate for the cause.
Again, like yesterday's post on Caitlyn Jenner, I cannot comment on Laverne's post, because she said it all. All I can say is that this issue will be added to my list of "Causes I Will Support For The Rest of Forever". It's a pretty big list; there's a lot of ignorance in the world and I get very angry, very quickly about things that should, like, not ever exist.

I came across this video when I was researching transgender issues/Laverne Cox.
It's very short (because it is a trailer) and I am looking forward to the full project. It will, no doubt, be a very informative documentary and it is highly anticipated.
There are so many things wrong with this issue. First and foremost, Cece should not have been arrested and the media's complete ignorance and pure evil for calling her "him" are truly, truly shocking. "It's 2015!" means nothing anymore, because the amount of time needed for discrimination of any kind to stop has clearly not surpassed us. We may have revolutionised so many spheres, within technology and medicine, but we have a long way to go until everyone can rest easy in their beds or leave their house without an OUNCE of fear that they will be greeted with any form of discrimination.

As Laverne said, "the struggle continues...", but hopefully, not for long.

Caitlyn Jenner

I have never seen a single episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians and I know little about the family and why, precisely, they're all so famous. But when I saw this picture today, my heart soared:

This is more than a magazine cover. 

To Caitlyn Jenner, this is a symbol of self-acceptance, courage and a future filled with happiness. 

I then watched the two hour Bruce Jenner interview (because that is what she was still calling herself during the filming) and cried for most of it. 

I don't really have any comments on the interview because I think it speaks for itself. It was really well done, Diane Sawyer asked very though-provoking questions and Bruce answered them with integrity, pride and a cracking sense of humour. I can definitely relate to the last bit to get myself through tough times. I love that someone so in the spotlight, someone going through what must be one of the toughest things a person can go through, and still smile, even if it is through tears.You could see the pain in Bruce's eyes when he spoke about his past, and the joy in her eyes when she spoke of her future. I am so glad that today is the day that the public gets the see the sparkling eyes of Caitlyn as she is accepted by her family, friends and rest of the world. 

I also hope the papparazzi and the media are respectful and back the fuuuuuuck off. 

If I could only pick one thing that I am going to take away and learn from watching the interview, it is that we need to call bullshit on the people who are making a joke out of this brave woman's identity and her overall journey to finally become who she is and be happy. We need to include women like Caitlyn, and be accepting of men like Bruce when they have the courage to come forward and ask for support. Social media can be a horrible place when internet is available to the ignorant, but it can also bring uplifting messages. I personally intend to make a difference wherever I can.

Let's actually think about this issue for a moment: could you imagine feeling like you were living a lie for 65 years? 65? Caitlyn is a hero, for all kinds of people living with a secret about their true identity, whether that be a transgender issue or not. I believe that the right to live as and who one pleases to be is the first and most important human right we can give ourselves and one another. Better late than never. 

Her courage is inspiring, her bravery is a wonder to see and I wish Caitlyn Jenner every happiness in the world. Everyone deserves a chance at truth, love and happiness, no matter how late in life that chance comes. 

Now that Caitlyn has officially and publicly identified herself as a woman, she has entered an arena that she benefited from as Bruce; good ol' patriarchy. And with that comes the good ol' stereotypes and good ol' ignorant people thinking their opinions are valid in any way, shape or form. She's got so much to overcome in her journey both as a woman AND a transgender woman. But I wish her the best of luck and promise to always call out people on their insensitive "jokes" or comments. She's part of the same movement I'm part of and I'll punch you in the genitalia if you think it's ok to make a mockery of her personal struggle (or anyone). Or if I see it on the internet, I will metaphorically punch you in the genitalia.  

Transgender people will always have my support.

She is so gorgeous! I hope that she finally feels comfortable in her own skin.

I saw a comment on the ABC website that said "There's more photoshopping in that one picture than Kim's entire Instagram account." and my first thought was: who honestly gives a flying fuck if it is photo-shopped? That is not the issue. If your first thought wasn't an open-minded one, along the lines of "I'm so glad she is happy" then you need to understand that you are lucky that you do not understand Caitlyn's struggle. That you are comfortable in the body you were born into. That you can leave the house as the EXACT person you want to be, without fear. Because that is something we all take for granted, myself included. Caitlyn's story is primarily about transgender, but it is also about self-acceptance. 

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to Caitlyn Jenner for sharing your beautiful story:

"Keep an open mind and an open heart"