On Monday, June 1, 2015, Caitlyn Jenner was born. She graced the cover of Vanity Fair with confidence. Formerly known as “Bruce Jenner,” Caitlyn made waves for the transgender movement. She publicly came out during an interview with Diane Sawyer in response to rumors thrown around the tabloids and on social media. In the interview, which aired April 24, Jenner finally put the rumors to rest. “For all intents and purposes, yes I am a women.” In her Vanity Fair interview, it is noted that on March 15, “Bruce Jenner went into the office ... and ... Caitlyn Jenner had left.”
Jenner’s 20-page interview with Vanity Fair, written by Buzz Bissinger and with pictures by Annie Leibovitz, tells the story of her transition and coming to terms with her gender dysphoria. Jenner reveals some of the process in her transition, including facial-feminization surgery and breast augmentation. She has also been taking hormones and has been over a year into her transition, mentioning how she has dressed up in women’s clothing numerous times before she fully transitioned. This is not the first time Jenner has taken hormones. She began a transition in the 1980s, but stopped shortly after. She revealed her gender dysphoria to her first two wives while still married, but did not tell Kris Kardashian, her third wife, until they were divorcing. Jenner says that the dysphoria and the emotional struggles she felt during the first two marriages put a strain on her and the families, and she deeply regrets that. However, she hopes to rebuild relationships with her children.
The article also touched upon Jenner’s new docu-series. She explicitly says that her transition was not about gaining publicity or fame. “You don’t go out and change your gender for a TV show. It ain’t happening.” As an executive producer, she has control over what airs and she plans on using this show to help others. She isn’t just sitting around after her transition. She wants to help others who are struggling with their gender identity because there was no one to help her when she was struggling. In the interview, she says, “I’m not doing this to be interesting. I’m doing this to live.” Forty-one percent of people who identify as transgender commit, or attempt to commit, suicide, and Jenner admits to considering it herself. Transitioning is not about being “cool” or “trendy,” this is their reality. This is their life, and by being trapped with their demons inside the wrong body is not the right way to live.
Due to Jenner’s fame and her public appearance on the cover of Vanity Fair, everyone had something to say about her transition. Many people were supportive of her transition and provided words of encouragement to her and others. Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Shonda Rhimes, Ellen Degeneres and even President Obama all congratulated her on her bravery and welcomed her with supporting words. Her twitter (@caitlyn_jenner) even reached one million followers in four hours, beating the President's record! Jenner will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in July. The Jenner/Kardashian family had many encouraging words for Jenner. Kendall tweeted “be free now pretty bird.” Kim tweeted “Be happy, be proud, live life YOUR way.” Khole also posted about how proud she is of Caitlyn.
Unfortunately, not everyone reacted with the same level of support. Many described her as “disgusting,” “a science experiment” and “unnatural.” Actor Drake Bell, from the television show "Drake and Josh," even tweeted “Sorry…still calling you Bruce.” He later deleted this tweet. Timbaland posted a meme onto his Facebook page saying "His momma named him Bruce, Imma call him Bruce.” Others have crossed personal boundaries by asking what bathroom Jenner will use, what genitalia she has and other personal questions regarding her transition.
People have even started petitions to strip Jenner of her ESPY award and her Olympic gold medals. A rumor was spread that Jenner was being acknowledged for the Arthur Ashe award over a double-amputee war veteran. This rumor is false, as the award is noncompetitive, meaning there were no other nominees for the award. Following this, many people say that Jenner does not deserve to receive this award because “(s)he is not brave/courageous.” Jenner’s transition has been compared to those who are seriously ill and those who serve in the armed forces, saying that those groups are brave and courageous while Jenner’s transition is not. Who defines bravery and courage? Who has the power to say that anyone is more courageous than another person? There are different types of courage, whether you fight a disease, an enemy or the fact that you are forced to live in a body that doesn't feel right for 65 years. Do not belittle anyone's struggle or fight because you do not know what demons they have had to face or what they have gone through.
In revealing Caitlyn, Jenner has also been able to experience some of the pressures women face. People are mainly focused on her new beauty rather than the fact that she is now comfortable in her own skin. Although Jenner is beautiful, she exudes an aura of confidence and happiness which is much stronger than physical beauty. She is lucky to have had the ability to access the help and the treatment she needs and wants, which many transgender youth do not have the access to. There are thousands of trans people who are unable to have the needed treatments.
Many media outlets have respected Jenner’s wishes and use her pronouns and name. Her name is “CAITLYN,” and her pronouns are “HER/SHE.” Yes the bold, caps lock AND italicizes are necessary because, even though the Vanity Fair cover says “Call Me Caitlyn,” some people believe they have the privilege of calling her by the incorrect name and pronouns. In a video from BuzzFeed, transgender people discuss the importance of using correct pronouns and the emotional affect of the use of the incorrect. “Pronouns are important because they indicate a degree of respect” says Kate Bornstein. Ian Harvie continues, “It’s not even preferred pronouns, because it is their pronoun.” Kat Blaque urges the importance of using correct pronouns."Their gender is still valid regardless of whether or not you understand it.”
If someone were to tell you they preferred being called “Gabbie” instead of “Gabriella” or “Mike” instead of “Michael,” you would abide by their request. It’s their name, and it is what makes them comfortable. So why would you not refer to Caitlyn, or any other trans person, by their preferred name? Is it because it isn’t their birth name? Sir Elton John (Reginald Kenneth Dwight), Macklemore (Ben Haggerty), Lana Del Rey (Elizabeth Woolridge Grant), Rihanna (Robyn Rihanna Fenty) and many others do not go by their birth name either. “Bruce Jenner” is no longer a person and, therefore, Caitlyn should not be referred to by that name. Pictures of “Bruce” should not be used when in reference to Caitlyn either.
Jenner coming out as transgender is extremely important for trans-representation. There is very little representation of trans people in modern media and the importance of representation is to assure other individuals that they are not alone. It gives a confirmation that there are other people out there that they can relate to, and there is someone out there who has gone through the same gender identity struggle. Laverne Cox of "Orange is the New Black" is one of the few famous transgender actresses. Her character, Sophia, shows the struggle of being a trans-woman in an environment that is not friendly to her needs. In one episode, the prison cuts off her estrogen supplements, saying they “aren’t necessary.” Cox is one of the first openly trans celebrities, but more role models, like Andreja Pejic working with Makeup Forever, are on the rise. "Becoming Us" is a new show that is due to air Monday, June 8, on ABC family about a mother/son pair going through their transition together.
Barnard and the Girl Scouts of America have now begun to accept trans-women. As stated by Barnard’s Board of Trustees, “In recognition of our changing world and evolving understanding of gender identity, Barnard will consider for admission those applicants who consistently live and identify as women, regardless of the gender assigned to them at birth.” This new policy will begin in the fall of 2016. Other all-women’s colleges will begin accepting trans-women, such as Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Mills College and Wellesley College. The Girl Scouts of America states “If the child is recognized by the family and school/community as a girl and lives culturally as a girl, then Girl Scouts is an organization that can serve her in a setting that is both emotionally and physically safe,” in regards to accommodating trans-youth.
Caitlyn Jenner is making waves for transgender people. With her help, they will finally get the representation they deserve. With a public coming out, this is a great time for Jenner to educate the masses about being transgender. This is a reality many people are not informed about because no one was able to inform them. To learn more, pick up the July issue of Vanity Fair or watch "I Am Cait" premiering July 26.
Congratulations Caitlyn. I wish nothing but happiness for you!!!
