As I wrote yesterday, Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover took social media by storm and it’s shockwaves are still being felt. But, while there is much reason to celebrate, there’s also a fair amount of discussion that’s now taking place, a lot of which is necessary to pause, read, and take in.
Overall, the theme of the conversations stem around cisnormative and Eurocentric standards of beauty and the danger of fetishizing or boxing in transgender identity, particularly when it comes to transgender women.
First, Marc Lamont Hill used Twitter to discuss this point.
Sophia Banks also discussed this on Twitter (and many other related issues, such as transmisogyny; follow her Twitter to read more).
The Advocate featured her Twitter convo and many other convos with relevant information on issues facing transgender Americans in this article.
Laverne Cox also spoke out about beauty standards and the issues facing transgender people on Tumblr. It’s a great read, but one key part of her message was that society needs to uplift all transgender people, not just the ones who have the ability and the means to have world-class care and financial support.
Most trans folks don’t have the privileges Caitlyn and I have now have. It is those trans folks we must continue to lift up, get them access to healthcare, jobs, housing, safe streets, safe schools and homes for our young people. We must lift up the stories of those most at risk, statistically trans people of color who are poor and working class. I have hoped over the past few years that the incredible love I have received from the public can translate to the lives of all trans folks. Trans folks of all races, gender expressions, ability, sexual orientations, classes, immigration status, employment status, transition status, genital status etc.. I hope, as I know Caitlyn does, that the love she is receiving can translate into changing hearts and minds about who all trans people are as well as shifting public policies to fully support the lives and well being of all of us. The struggle continues…
As I wrote yesterday, I am very glad for Caitlyn and the ability for her to finally live out her truth, but we also have to remember the shoulders of other trans women Caitlyn success is built on. Because we laud Caitlyn, we must laud other trans people and figure out ways to help them get the access to healthcare, support, and other necessary outlets they need in order to completely live out the lives they want to live.
What do you think about these viewpoints? Give your opinions in the comments section below.
Caitlyn Jenner in Vanity Fair, photographed by Annie Leibovitz. From Twitter.
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