The Piece About A New Jenneration
Bruce Jenner admitted on Live Television that he is now a woman. And world over, people reacted to the news, even right here on Kito Diaries. There were congratulations, support, lukewarm responses and even derision. I was quite disappointed at how some KDians so caustically dismissed the issue of the man’s Transgender issue, choosing to fall back on their prejudice, the very same prejudice we bemoan the heterosexual public for exhibiting toward the LGBT. Over time, I have come to realize that for most LGBT people, especially here on KD, the LGBT movement is really just about LG, sometimes LGB. They do not understand or empathize with the T, and they do not want to.
Well, hopefully, this write-up, originally published on thenakedsword.com will make you realize that in this fight for equality, we are all on the same side. Read below.
*
Hours before the West Coast premiere, I was inundated with reports and comments about the Jenner interview via email and social media. Apparently 30 seconds after the show aired on the East Coast, GLAAD hit the ‘send’ button on an email heralding Jenner for helping people understand what it means to be transgender, suggesting I visit a link to GLAAD’s Tips for Allies of Transgender People. I saw a tweet from Perez Hilton claiming that two of Jenner’s previous wives made supportive comments, but that Kris Jenner reportedly refused to comment. His tweet was promptly rebutted by Kris in a tweet telling Perez to “Fuck off,” no one asked her for a comment and to “keep it real” because she was sitting with Bruce watching the show.
On Facebook, my dear friend Elaine Lancaster, Miami’s reigning queen, shared a personal story about spending a long weekend with Bruce, Kris, Kendall ad Kylie in Mexico at the home of Girls Gone Wild mogul Joe Francis. Elaine said in her post, “At the time I had no idea the way he looked at me and the questions he asked were much more than just simple inquiries, but it all makes so much sense now. He seemed to be a sweet and kind man and I’m sure he’ll be an even kinder woman.”
By the time 9 p.m. rolled around, my anticipation and curiosity had reached a boiling point and I’m happy to say that, in the words of Oprah, the interview was “STUNNING.”
The cameras were barely rolling before an emotional Jenner tearfully came out as a trans woman, a moment that I’m sure brought many viewers to tears as well — but not me. I didn’t cry until they showed the footage of 26-year-old Bruce Jenner during his triumphant victory at the 1976 Olympic Games. I remember those years, I remember that Jenner, and seeing it all again made me cry. But not because I was mourning the loss of an American hero (and teenage crush). I was crying because I was imagining the loneliness and shame that Jenner was feeling, struggling with gender identity and keeping those feelings secret for so many years. Even at a time of great victory, celebration and adoration, Jenner admits to “running away from who I was.”
I feel empathy for Jenner. Maybe it’s because I’m a big ‘mo and a drag queen. Maybe it’s because I sometimes feel like my brain is more female than male. Maybe it’s because I have several close personal friends who happen to be trans — but I think it’s more than that. Jenner is charismatic, likable. Even when telling America “I’ve always been very confused with my gender identity. For all intents and purposes, I am a woman.” You have to kinda like the guy.
Jenner’s story is relatable on many different levels. In the interview Jenner expressed the same concerns we all have.
He said: “I don’t want to disappoint people.”
No one does. We want to live up to other’s expectations — we don’t want to let anyone down. We all want the people in our lives to be proud of us.
He said: “I just can’t hold the curtain any longer. Bruce lives a lie. She is not a lie. I can’t do it anymore.”
While not all of us are struggling with gender, we all have aspects of our lives that we feel are inauthentic. We all find ourselves in situations or exhibiting behavior that are not true or real. Once you start hiding the truth and deceiving others it gets harder and harder to stop, and it’s exhausting.
He said: “I was not fair [to my wives.]”
Many of us have been in relationships where we feel we treated our partners unfairly.
He said: “I don’t socialize a lot, I’m not an outgoing person. I never fit in. When you deal with this issue, you don’t fit in. I like to play golf; 99 percent of the time I play by myself.”
Again, many of us feel isolated, lonely, and like we don’t fit in. And 99 percent of the time most of us play with ourselves too.
He said: “[To] be able to have my nail polish on long enough that it actually chips off.”
So many of us are denied the little things that so many others take for granted.
We feel you Bruce… we feel you.
Of course not everything Jenner had to say sat exactly right with me. Honestly, I was shocked to learn that Jenner is REPUBLICAN. I realize that is one of my prejudices, and I’m working on it. Maybe in the next interview Jenner can help me understand Republicans.
I was also shocked that Kim wasn’t initially responsive to Jenner until Kanye turned her around. Could I have misjudged Kanye? Is he the moral compass and shining beacon of hope and acceptance in the family? Speaking of misjudged, what about Khloe? Apparently she’s not taking the news very well and that makes me sad. She was always my favorite.
Let’s face it — the interview was informative, passionate, brave, inspiring, and important. I’m so proud of Jenner who insisted “What I’m doing is going to do some good. We are going to change the world. We are going to make a difference in the world.”
To me, one of the most important moments of the interview came when Jenner confessed to thoughts of suicide. After more than a solid year of being harassed and ridiculed for his appearance, stalked by the paparazzi, and being the subject of much speculation and the butt of hateful jokes, he had had enough. One night he paced up and down the hall of his Malibu home and thought about the gun in the next room. He totally empathized with those who contemplate taking their own lives and wondered if it wouldn’t be easier to just end it, and move on to a better place. But he didn’t do it. Jenner sent a powerful message to trans people everywhere, and to everyone who struggles with thoughts of taking your own life: Don’t do it.
Like a true Olympic champion Jenner asserts “If it is only this, I will be okay. I’ve got my health. I’ve got my children. I’ve got family, seven grandkids now. I’m actually really excited about the future.”
So are we, Bruce. We’re all rooting for you!
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28 Comments
Dubem
April 28, 04:21Ah, but the paparazzi hounded this man o. when he’d just had his surgery. The media just loved to mock him. Any person made of less sterner stuff might have yielded to suicide. kudos, Bruce.
Mandy
April 28, 04:22I read that bit about Kanye, and him encouraging Kim to be accepting of Bruce. lol. Surprised me to no end. Wallai. LOL @ ‘Could I have misjudged Kanye? Is he the moral compass and shining beacon of hope and acceptance in the family?’ Indeed.
Jeova Sanctus Unus
April 28, 04:33Is it me, or do the Jenner’s really seem to be better people than the Kardashians?? No hate on the Kards though.
In fairness, Kim got the eclipse-butt — you know that kinda butt that looks like 2 planets and eclipses every other butt in 200 mile radius.
Damn!! Now I need me a chocolate cake!! Anyone??
Go Broocain!! Go Kim’s butt!! Go Kanye!!
pinkpanthertb
April 28, 04:38LOL. that kinda butt that looks like 2 planets and eclipses every other butt in 200 mile radius.
Hell awaits you, Jeova.
trystham
April 28, 06:41“Hell awaits you, Jeova.” Sounded sumhow sumhow like blasphemy sha
pinkpanthertb
April 28, 08:29LOL! I just saw it, Trys. Kai!
Gerald
April 28, 04:39Hmmm sleepy eyes will comment later
Rapum
April 28, 05:33“And 99 percent of the time most of us play with ourselves too.” Absolutely true. Lmao.
#TeamKizito
April 28, 05:41Hmmm,
Max
April 28, 06:05In reference to the Jenner and Kardashians, I think the Jenners are better people. What Bruce did is very brave. I use to think he was a weak man, but this single act cleared my prejudice. Its not easy. He could’ve easily lived and died with the lie.
Dennis Macaulay
April 28, 06:20Honestly i previously knew very little about transexuality until PP sarcastically sent me some google links and i read up a lot. I know what its like to not feel comfortable in your own skin and Bruce is paying a very high price to be who he wants to be which I think is very brave and noble.
Meanwhile I was also shocked to find out he is a republican; Republicans are not fans of gay marriage and abortions so it surprised me too. Beyonce is also a registered republican which also stunned me.
DeadlyDarius
April 28, 08:09Beyonce was raised in a conservative religious Texan home….its not that surprising actually. Deep South raised peeps are mainly red: like Britney Spears
trystham
April 28, 10:13Which is why LOADS of times, I think celebs are selfishly just trying to be ‘politically correct’ so as not to lose their fans #justsaying
pinkpanthertb
April 28, 10:16‘selfishly just trying to be ‘politically correct’?
I’m sorry, could u explain that line to me, Trys?
Dennis Macaulay
April 28, 12:57What he is trying to say is that sometimes celebs align with politically correct beliefs and systems even though deep down that may not be what they truly believe. They often do this so as not to loose the support of their fans.
Beyonce supported Obama and all he stood for; pro-choice, marriage equality, etc and these are the things the republicans do not align with mostly. Bey however dares not speak against these things like the republican that she is or she will loose her fan base and start selling lemonades by the street corner.
pinkpanthertb
April 28, 16:40Oh don’t be so dramatic, Dennis. *eye-roll*
trystham
April 28, 15:44Thank you Dennis. Couldn’t av put it beta
Pinky, WAKE UP!!! Seeing as Beyonce had been earlier mentioned, I wanted to tread carefully.
Teflondon
April 28, 06:50Refreshing read.. Always good to learn a thing or two about Trans.. Ignorance is a bad thing and I must admit.. I didn’t fancy Trans people earlier because I knew little or nothing about them. It’s quite refreshing haven to learn about them here on KD, than going on some research (something I’m lazy to do). More of this PP.
That said..
I’m trying really hard to ignore than little voice in my head that keeps telling me… This whole Bruce Jenner ‘thing’ is all about staying in the spot light.. You don’t want to know the levels the Kardarshians can go to remain in the spot light.. I mean that’s their MAIN source of livelihood. I know this might be a kinda insentitive thing to say.. Considering the levity of circumstances surrounding all of these… But my theory cannot be totally ignored. There is a possibility.. It’s a publicity stunt. No matter how minute the possiblity is.
P.S
I was shocked about the role Kanye played in all of these.. If the stories are true I.e. Who knew he could be such a sweet guy. The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” comes to mind.
Chuck
April 28, 18:01That’s not Bruce’s source of income. There is a possibility for everything, but you need more research, or else your opinions count less and less. Shouldn’t you have checked where his income is from? These people’s net worth is public. Here:
http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/olympians/bruce-jenner-net-worth/
Sinnex
April 28, 06:52This puts it in another perspective. I guess he is now a mother and grandmother.
Diablo
April 28, 08:33Il admit there’s alot of things I do not understand abt Transexialism and Gender Identity Disorder, my initial comments on the Bruce Jenner issue in retrospect were insensitive and based on me not being able to comprehend his plight. After reading his ex wife’s side of the story, I began to feel some empathy for him. And in some ways i could relate, being a closeted gay man in a homophobic country. There are still so many things I do not understand, and it still seems like such a life altering lifestyle that I wondr if at the end of the day its worth it.
I think what KD and the world need is sensitization on this issue
pinkpanthertb
April 28, 08:36I was actually thinking about you when I updated this. And the fact that you are able to make this admission proves there’s still hope for the general humanity. 🙂
Diablo
April 28, 08:50Lol oww-kay
Ruby
April 28, 10:01Bravo Bruce!
Its not an easy step to take.
Ruby
April 28, 10:07Bravo Bruce!
Its not an easy step to take.
That said, I think the Jenners are more Humane than the Kardashians
kendigin
April 28, 10:10This guy gives me hope that perhaps someday I can be free to be myself. I always loved the Jenner-Kardashian family. I see them as strong, resilient bonded individuals who have love for each other.
We must also praise Kris. Its not easy to see your husband become a woman and still support his transition. How many Nigerian wives can do that?
JustJames
April 28, 11:48Not surprised that some of his kids aren’t receptive. I’d probably not be receptive if my my dad revealed he’s always felt like a woman. Hmmmm.
Chuck
April 28, 18:02Na wa. Some of us don’t deserve acceptance since we can’t give it