Caitlyn Jenner's official announcement and photo shoot raises some important questions regarding gender identity and the furtherance of inclusion within all aspects of society. Because Jenner is a famous celebrity, athlete and financially very well off, does she really represent the typical young teenager adult, or child who is trapped within a body that they feel they really don't belong in? The Trans teen, child or adult is manifesting gender; they are not manifesting sexuality. Due to the deficiency in our language, the word sex is used to refer to both gender identity and the carnal act and from that unfortunate synthesis, comes much of the aversion surrounding the bias of transgender young people as well as children. The issue for these individuals is not about whom they wish to be with, but rather who they just really want to be. It's torture to live as a male when you know inside you are a female and vice versa. But you are unable to do much about it because of family, community and lack of financial resources.
It would be wonderful if Caitlyn can use her celebrity to improve the lives of individuals grappling with this serious issue and bring much greater awareness to the transgender community through education and advocacy. Ms. Jenner has the ability and opportunity to make a difference for this often marginalized group of men and women on nearly every level within society including: recognition, funding of counseling centers and financial assistance based on need or lack of insurance coverage for both medical and aesthetic procedures.
It never ceases to amaze me how the biggest naysayers of social media are the individuals who rarely use it on a daily basis citing that is dangerous and/or destroys reputations. These people should open their minds to the connection and change that social media can bring. Before social media existed, those with unusual disorders and rare genetic diseases after years and in some cases a lifetime of living isolated and alone now have a rich and varied community to connect with. Friendships with like minded people are made across the world and with individuals of all ages. As a person with a physical difference and having lived an entire lifetime virtually isolated and invisible without anyone to share my feelings with, social media has given me both a community and some really wonderful friendships that I never would have if I did not communicate online. Looking at the number of followers Caitlyn already has on Instagram, twitter, tumbler, etc., only strengthens the argument regarding the incredible power that social media has to inspire people all over the world?
An interesting but sad fact about the transgender community is the high rate of suicide associated with it and also transphobia violence. On November, 20th every year a worldwide vigil is held for all transgender people who've lost their lives needlessly out of hate and fear. Ms. Jenner has both the name recognition and access to all media outlets, images and publishing houses to effectively create an atmosphere of greater inclusion for the transgender community through advocating that Trans is just another part of human diversity. It would be a great tribute to you Caitlyn if through your story, the need for a Transgender Day of Remembrance each year for those who lost their lives through ignorance and violence will no longer be needed anymore in the world.
Submitted and copyrighted by Davina Klatsky