Bruce Jenner comes out as transgender.
ABC News YouTube
By: Christine Nicco/TRT Reporter—
After months of speculation, tons of Paparazzi stalking, and some insensitivity on the part of some media, late talk show hosts, and many LGBT opponents, Bruce Jenner told the world what he had been holding inside for many years. The former Olympic hero told told Diane Sawyer, in an exclusive ABC interview, “for all intent and purposes I am a woman!” Jenner also told her that he “had been thinking about this day forever. …”
“The courageous action Jenner has taken as a sports role model will inspire and strengthen transgender athletes around the world. Jenner’s bravery will inspire our transgender youth to shoot for the gold in all levels of sport,” said NCLR Sports Project Director Helen Carroll.
The sense of belonging and self-respect was more than due for Jenner.
“There is nothing more important to human dignity than being able to live an authentic life. This is a central aspiration of the struggle for LGBT liberation,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “We congratulate Jenner’s quest to realize that goal. However, while this is a cultural milestone, the real-life experience of transgender people in this country is too often a denial of safey and fundamental dignity.”
The two hour special on ABC News, made Jenner become one of the best-known openly transgender figures in the world. It also put to rest widespread speculation about Jenner’s identity in the national media. [pullquote]”And we hope that Jenner’s message of authenticity and openness will shine a light on the unique challenges that transgender people face and help further equality.—TLDEF Executive Director Michael Silverman[/pullquote]
Added Silverman: “And we hope that Jenner’s message of authenticity and openness will shine a light on the unique challenges that transgender people face and help further equality. We support every transgender person’s right to come out at a time that is right for them, and wish Jenner every happiness moving forward in the world authentically.”
The TV show broke viewing records and it took Twitter by storm. According to the ABC network, more than 1 million tweets worldwide with the Hashtag #BruceJenner inundated social media. Variety reported that more than 17 million people watched the Olympian come out as a transgender woman. And, things don’t end with just his story tonight.
The producers of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians will follow Jenner (who prefers to use male pronouns for now) through his transition in eight episodes set to air in July, reports The Hollywood Reporter. Respected transgender activist and GLAAD board member Jenny Finney Boylan, who is author of She’s Not There, confirmed she is a consultant on the production.”
However, transgender people coming out do not receive the level of support or understanding that Jenner has received. According to a Time.com story by Mara Keisling, it is that privilege what is missing from stories like Jenner’s. [pullquote]”I sympathize greatly with Bruce’s experience, but I also recognize the huge privilege that comes with being able to share your story with Diane Sawyer on national television. …”—Mara Keisling[/pullquote]
“I sympathize greatly with Bruce’s experience, but I also recognize the huge privilege that comes with being able to share your story with Diane Sawyer on national television,” wrote Keisling. “Most of us transition with little fanfare or recognition at all — but each of our stories are important.”
People’s reactions regarding Jenner’s coming out and his privilege varied, BUT it was the reactions from family, celebrities and thousands of thousands of people via Twitter what seems to have made the most impact.
https://twitter.com/sprandoni/status/591752943973572609
https://twitter.com/Andy/status/591772004451262464
https://twitter.com/margaretcho/status/591809723395018752
https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/591779880951488512
https://twitter.com/kingsthings/status/591765819891126272
https://twitter.com/Rosie/status/591790019406344194
https://twitter.com/jimmyfallon/status/591782492358639616
https://twitter.com/TheEllenShow/status/591788332847210496
https://twitter.com/KimKardashian/status/591851605072347137
https://twitter.com/sageusa/status/591785339271847937
https://twitter.com/ricky_martin/status/591819362509565952
https://twitter.com/LambdaLegal/status/592056246519234563
https://twitter.com/Oprah/status/591838828907737088
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is committed to ending discrimination based upon gender identity and expression and to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, and public policy efforts.
[Parts of this report came from News Releases]
