Everywhere you look online there is something being said about Caitlyn Jenner. I've got much more to say about transgender issues than I do about Cait, so just hear me out.
If you speak in a derogatory manner against anyone who is trans, I'm going to label you as intolerant and transphobic. If you can label so easily, without looking deeper into the issue and what trans people endure, then I feel it's only fair for YOU to be labeled. No matter who it is that you're speaking/posting about, be it Laverne Cox, Caitlyn Jenner, Laura Jane Grace, Chaz Bono, Jenna Talackova, or the individual you silently passed on the sidewalk whose gender was unidentifiable, remember that it's really none of your fucking business what his/her gender identity is or what his/her biological sex is.
That being said, why is it now, once America's most famous family has a openly transgender member, that transgender issues are being discussed (respectfully, for the most part, but also idiotically) in mainstream media?
How is it that Bruce Jenner (pre-transition, pre-reveal) was mocked and made out to be a joke, but once it was confirmed and Caitlyn Jenner appeared, well wishes of love and acceptance were in the forefront of headlines?
(This is also urgently imperative: That meme (or memes) you've seen saying that military veteran Noah Galloway was runner-up for ESPN's Arthur Ashe Courage Award, falling behind Caitlyn Jenner, the recipient for the award, is a incorrect.)
It took a beloved American olympic athlete to transition for people to be open minded, which is complete bullshit. I can assure myself and others that a good amount of those same people who praise Laverne Cox and Cait Jenner are the same who wouldn't be "comfortable" sharing a public restroom with a transgendered individual.
(Nevermind that I believe that all bathrooms should be unisex BECAUSE IT IS 2015 FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.)
These are the same people who preach that they are an ally to the entire LGBTQ community and yet, feel angry and disgruntled if/when someone asks/assumes that they are a homosexual.
IT IS FAKE.
IT IS DISGUSTING.
When saying that you're accepting of a group of people that may be different than yourself, being assumed to be a member of that group should never embarrass or insult you. (Trust that I personally know individuals just like this, individuals who SAY and PREACH that they are allies and STILL use "gay" as a synonym for stupid or even use that three-letter f-word.)
For example: I am white and I proudly love, accept, and do my best to assist the black community. If someone were to assume that I too were black (despite my obvious exterior), I would never ever be ashamed or outraged. Why is our sex and sexuality treated any differently than this?
There are the "invisible" transgenders of the world and our own country who don't get media coverage or outpouring support on social media for living their truth.
These are the same men and women who are terrified to walk city streets alone at ANY GIVEN TIME OF DAY. These are the people who have been killed or have killed themselves due to an intolerant, ignorant, and hateful culture that surrounds them.
If you are blessed with the opportunity to meet or know someone who is transgender and you are able to truly, fully accept them, you are blessed. Trans issues are complicated, but it's so simple to fill your heart with love. Even if you don't fully understand what they go through (emotionally, physically, psychologically, socially), you have the choice to love them anyway.
We're all just small beings.
I write A LOT about feminism, but remember that transgender issues are also gender issues, too. There have been some small jokes made about Caitlyn's transition asking if she will now make 77% of what she made pre-transition. We jest, but opening the door to discuss LGBTQ issues and tolerance, along with hopefully changing the way that we discuss feminism, women's rights, and gender inequality is what could move your country's culture to an accepting and loving place for all human beings (and animals, as I picket for their rights, as well).
Imagine never feeling at home in your body. Due to weight gain/weight loss, I've felt exactly this on a muchmuchmuchmuch smaller scale. I'm goddamn lucky to know that I am female, inside and out. I will never endure the trauma that transgender individuals do on any level, but I can do my best to replace yet another hating heart and misunderstanding mind with love, compassion, kindness, warmth, friendship, and respect.
