Caitlyn Jenner

As I'm sure you know, Caitlyn Jenner has finally completed her long awaited transition. As someone who is in the LGBT community, this is something absolutely amazing that is going to help SO many transgendered (and questioning) youth. However, there has been SO much controversy surrounding Caitlyn these past few days.

Every time I got onto Facebook or Twitter I saw a photo floating around about how it's unfair that Caitlyn received the ESPN courage award over someone in the military. Let me just make this clear. They're both brave. It's two completely different kinds of bravery. But just because one is brave, doesn't mean the other isn't. And also, according to this article that claim isn't even true. 

I saw this picture floating around the internet and I thought I would share it with you guys. 

Caitlyn has been trapped in her own body for 65 years. To be able to fully come out, transition and embrace who she really is in front of billions of people, is extremely brave. I had a hard enough time coming out as gay. My extended family still doesn't know. I could not imagine not only have to come out to my entire family, but the entire world (possibly). 

Many people are saying that Caitlyn is not and will never be a woman. That she may not have the "parts" of a woman. So I'll just leave this here with you also: 

If you are willingly, purposely, deliberately calling Caitlyn Bruce or male pronouns, you are being hateful. Absolutely hateful. Caitlyn has been waiting 65 years to be who she is so you should be able to switch over a few pronouns when talking about her. Just because you believe something, doesn't mean you have the right to be absolutely disgustingly hateful. 

Did you know that 41% of people that identify as transgender will attempt suicide at least once in their life? 19% have experienced domestic violence at the hands of a family member because of their transgender identity or gender non‐conformity. 50% have experienced harassment by someone at work. 7% have been physically assaulted on the job. (Source)

Of those transgender and gender non‐conforming people who experienced domestic violence:

• 65% had attempted suicide, compared to 32% of those who had not been abused
• 48% experienced homelessness, a rate four times higher than those who were not abused (9%) 
• 47% reported drinking or using drugs to cope with mistreatment, compared to 19% of those who had not been abused
• 29% had engaged in sex work, a rate four times higher than those who were not abused (7%) (Source)

Caitlyn Jenner is the first person to publicly completely transition in my life time. This is huge. By Caitlyn transitioning in the public spotlight, I believe this is going to give hope to so many people. There are children and teens at home trapped in the wrong body wondering if they are ever going to be able to be who they really are. Caitlyn is giving them just a little glimmer of hope. 

Caitlyn is beautiful. Caitlyn is strong. Caitlyn is brave. 

Because of this and all of the media surrounding it, I have decided to cut ties with many, many people I considered my friends. Any time someone said anything negative, I immediately unfollowed or unfriended them. I am now only following 40 people on my personal Twitter. I have made it very clear that I will not tolerate any hateful comments towards Caitlyn or any individual who identifies as transgender. 

*Feel free to leave any comments you have. However, negative comments will not be answered.