Caitlyn (previously Bruce) Jenner has recently become the face of the journey of an individual in the transgender community. She has used her fame in a positive way that allows the opportunity to show the nation, and even the world, the truth about the personal struggles she has endeavored all of her life as a transgender individual. People have vast opinions about this subject. For some it's uncomfortable to talk about or difficult to understand. For others, this extremely public transition is liberating, and that is all that truly matters. It allows both transgender people and their families the opportunity to show the world what this transition can look like for the person as well as the family. Caitlyn Jenner has allowed a gateway for knowledge and a documented, in-depth understanding of the continuous journey transgender people face.
(Photo via Vanity Fair)
This topic can be extremely confusing for many people and I sincerely apologize if I am using terminology incorrectly or am offending anyone. However, I believe that this is a revolutionary moment in history. Caitlyn is allowing her transition to be public so that the world can understand the struggles and joys that happen in the journey of a transgender individual. Around seventeen million people viewed the Diane Sawyer interview with Bruce Jenner, which allowed seventeen million people to now have a better understanding of the perseverance of a transgender individual. It is incredible that Caitlyn has allowed her journey to be made public in order to show other transgender people that they are not alone.
This is arguably one of the most groundbreaking occurrences to happen on mainstream television. Bruce Jenner was a male and extraordinarily masculine athlete. On the outside, he was the face of an “ideal" American man built in a body of pure strength and extreme athleticism. He was a worldly Olympic competitor enveloped in fame and glory. Now we know that all along he was scared and hiding the deep inner struggles of becoming the person he truly was truly meant to be.
The open transition of Caitlyn Jenner has allowed a gateway into an age of enlightenment for the world. It serves as a moment that teaches the world the struggle and journey of the reality faced by a transgender person. The transformation of the former Bruce Jenner is an opportunity for open change. It is an opportunity for transgender people and their families to view a public documentary about the heartache, grief, understanding, and absolute joy experienced by the individuals and families in the transgender community.
I can imagine nothing worse than living in a caged world and being afraid to be the person you truly are in your heart and soul. The truth is that some people will accept this transformation and others will not. However, regardless of your personal opinion there is no doubt that the transformation of Bruce Jenner has allowed a more public opening into the life of a member in the transgender community. I sincerely hope that this public journey will allow a sense of liberation and will further open the door for any people who believe that they cannot be who they truly are in their mind, heart and soul. Therefore, goodbye Bruce and welcome Caitlyn Jenner. I hope your journey allows others to be liberated of fear and live life as the person they were always meant to be. There is absolutely nothing more beautiful than being exactly who you are. Everyone deserves to be happy, however that may be. We only get one life and I hope everyone has the opportunity to live
