Caitlyn Jenner was given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at last night's ESPY ceremony. A video was shown during the award ceremony which was moving and surprisingly well-done -- it explained the core difficulty of being transgender. Jenner's experience is universal.
At times I felt the video was describing my life. Being told from birth that you are unacceptably different profoundly affects your development. You struggle to understand what people expect from you and then you labor to give them that. The unnaturalness of the charade is merely a price you pay to fit into society. Conformity, and the fear of social ostracism for non-conformity, rule your life until you courageously opt out and declare your selfhood.
Some, who don't understand the lives of transgender people, criticize giving Jenner an award for courage. Ironically, it is their ignorance and intolerance that made it courageous for Bruce to reveal herself as Caitlyn.
The video is narrated by Jon Hamm. You can see it here.
I saw the video of her speech this morning and thought she looked beautiful and her words were simple and direct. I continue to have admiration and respect for this marvellous human being.
ReplyDelete"Some, who don't understand the lives of transgender people, criticize giving Jenner an award for courage. Ironically, it is their ignorance and intolerance that made it courageous for Bruce to reveal herself as Caitlyn."
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right. I thought her speech and message were exceptional and very moving.
Were there other athletes that showed courage and were deserving? Of course. But honoring Caitlyn this night was not an incorrect choice. This was a great opportunity to get an important and encouraging message out there to both the transgendered youth (or any age) and the general public who are less than understanding. I see this as a huge step in the direction toward more acceptance. I love how she said something at the end about us all working together.
Bravo, Lisa! *clapping*
DeleteIf I had not met you I would not have such a good understanding of transgender individuals ... You are amazing and I love that you are always giving us something to think about. I can't wait for the day I meet you in person. Caitlyn will just have to wait!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to that as well, buddy.
Deletethanks for the link...i missed it live.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Ally. Excellently, eloquently said.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
"Ironically, it is their ignorance and intolerance that made it courageous for Bruce to reveal herself as Caitlyn."
ReplyDeleteI have repeatedly said this during all the controversy of her being named for this award. It was a powerful moment & love that this is helping people to understand something that for too long was a secret for too many people.
I think one of the reasons it's not been hard for me to accept the idea of being transgender is because I have often felt like an outsider catering to what other people want as well. My experience is not the same, and I don't say that to make an "I understand" comparison. I think it's just that what you wrote resonates with me in a different way, and I think that shared sense of difference leads to compassion and an willingness to be open to the world. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThere are direct similarities in the social experience of all people who are different. Sometimes those shared experiences make us more empathetic toward others. I respect that in you.
DeleteWow, what a moving story (video). I love that she's been so courageous and done this all with such grace! I was tearing up through the whole video
ReplyDeleteI love that you wrote about this! The video shown before she came up on stage had me in tears. I am so proud of Caitlyn Jenner, and I don't listen to those who say otherwise. I even cried during the interview with Diane Sawyer. Caitlyn looked so beautiful at the Espy's and I am so happy that what she did has helped so many others be comfortable with their true selves.
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