Lessons I've Learned Since Coming Out

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/caitlyn-jenner/lessons-ive-learned-since_b_8134470.html?utm_hp_ref=transgender

The Huffington Post/By Caitlyn Jenner   09/14/2015

"Hello friends. Caitlyn here. As the first season of my show, "I Am Cait," comes to end, I find myself reflecting on my journey so far and just how rewarding it has been.

My experience over the last four months has been incredible. Many people have come up to me and told me their stories. It turns out lots of you have friends or family members who are transgender. Who knew? I never would have had these conversations if I had not come out publicly and finally lived my truth. For so long, people -- myself included -- were embarrassed to talk about transgender issues and now we finally have an open dialogue happening. That's amazing progress in and of itself.

While I could write a novel on everything I've learned over the last several months, here are a few things that I'd like to share:"

Interesting read. Easy to forget that Ms. Jenner is new to being socially a woman, like so many of us have experienced. I hear the sheer wonder coming through her writing. However, if she's spent any time at all on the internet (and I imagine that's where she got most of her info about transition), it's hard to believe she hadn't come across the issues that seem to take her by surprise. Just ten minutes on Susan's forums is usually enough to give you a crash course in the various indignities that trans people face.

It would be nice if she put up some links to this site and others where people can find real support. What I did find on her site were lots of links to plastic surgeons. For the clueless, most of us can barely afford the bare essentials. Go figure.

All in all though, she's just beginning and any public face that is trying is good for us all. Personally, I wouldn't like my mugshot on every tabloid in the checkout aisle. For that (even though she can't run away from it) I give her some big hugs.

Cindi

Quote from: Cindi Jones on September 14, 2015, 07:15:51 PM
For the clueless, most of us can barely afford the bare essentials. Go figure.

This +1000000

It's not all about renting Lamborghinis to cruise around the PCH and having tea-parties with your all trans-handpicked-by-producers group of friends that were suddenly brought together overnight.

Many if not most trans people I know of have real issues with getting and keeping jobs, living day to day, and trying to find decent healthcare and educated health care providers. Not discounting the small amount of good that has been done by the show... but there are light-years to go to provide a more actual and realistic portrayal of the daily life of most trans-persons. Being out of touch and entitled are still out of touch and entitled, despite gender et al.