Tuesday, June 2, 2015

This Just In: Caitlyn Jenner Has Not Single-Handedly Ended Transphobia

On 7:30 PM by Unknown in , ,    4 comments
A couple of weeks ago, I mused on the implications of Caitlyn Jenner's coming out as transgendered. At this point, it seems silly to not to do the same for her debut as a woman on Vanity Fair. Aside from a couple of ignorant tweets, Caitlyn's reception has overall been very supportive. Many are calling this transition a turning point for trans acceptance in society, however, that isn't entirely true.


The media coverage of Jenner's journey definitely has given the trans community its biggest spotlight in history, but "visibility is a double edged sword," says Kel Kray, Everyday Feminism contributor. In a society where "fitting in" is synonymous with "assimilation," it's important to watch bouts of awareness such as these with a weary eye, and to make use of them by clearing up some misconceptions while the iron is still hot. Kray's article "10 Things Trans Activists and Allies Need to Remember That Have Nothing to Do With Caitlyn Jenner" attempts to do exactly this.

Definitely worth a read. Check it out here.

4 comments:

  1. DavaJune 29, 2015 at 10:03 AM

    This article really brought light to the conversation not many are willing to have. It is important to notice that not everyone is rich and has all of the resources and fame that Caitlyn had while going through her transition. Not everyone will ever be able to look the exact way they've always envisioned but regardless of that, they should be treated with the respect that so many have been paying to Caitlyn. Although it is a great way to gain attention to the community that is so invisible to the cisgender's eye, it's important to remember that each trans person does have a different story and circumstances and that they won't always conform to the binary genders that have been hammered into many peoples' minds. Each person is responsible for who they are and their gender should be respected.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 29, 2015 at 10:34 AM

    The title of this article is somewhat negative despite the positive step being taken in society. Caitlyn Jenner is brave to be debuting as a woman considering her social status. I agree that steps she has taken is a turning point for trans acceptance in society. This coincides with what I have learned about privilege considering that Caitlyn is more likely to accomplish her goals because she is a well known figure of society. If Caitlyn were not wealthy and of a high social standing, her transformation would be of little importance to the rest of the world. Luckily, there is a celebrity willing to shed some light upon trans acceptance.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RohiniJuly 17, 2015 at 4:34 PM

    Regardless of Caitlyn Jenner's fame, her coming out is an important moment for the transgender community who can receive more attention and support. I say "important moment" rather than 'turning point', because at this moment in time, when it is our present, we don't know what will happen from here, but we do know that this moment is significant. Jenner is proving herself as a role model to the transgender community.

    Forty percent of transgender people in 2013 committed suicide and Jenner's fame is working to bring the community and supporters of the community together to show there is strength in numbers. Whether you support Jenner or not, there is no doubt that it takes courage to present yourself as who you are knowing you will receive negative attention and comments. She has not brought the end to the era of intolerance, but she is working towards it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. GabrielaJuly 27, 2015 at 4:04 PM

    I think the reception Caitlyn Jenner has received after her coming out is, for the most part, wonderfully receptive. However, I agree when you say that she is not singlehandedly ending transphobia. When looking at Caitlyn's new lifestyle, she is beautiful, thin, and rich. There are many privileges working in her favor, which I think plays a large role in how she was widely accepted. I think if those who go from male to woman who don't transform into 'the visually appealing, perfect woman' as Caitlyn Jenner appears to be, then there reception wont be as accepting.

    Let me know if you agree or not!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)