Why Gossip About Bruce Jenner Is Damaging to the Transgender Community

[damnedifIknow]

We don't know if Bruce Jenner identifies as transgender, or if he enjoys cross-dressing. We don't know anything about the situation. I expect we will find out a lot more when he sits down with Diane Sawyer for a two-hour interview on April 24th, but until then, we shouldn't assume we know anything at all. Not to mention the fact that this is a huge violation of the man's privacy.

That being said, the way the media is portraying the story suggests that Bruce is definitely transitioning to female, and that we should all have our jaws on the floor. But this suggestion is quite damaging to the transgender community. The fact remains that most people in America do not personally know someone who is transgender. The only reference they have is what they see in the media. Labeling Bruce Jenner's gender transformation as one of the "biggest celebrity scandals of 2014" is not going to frame the story of transgender identity in a positive light.

This seems to be an ongoing trend within the celebrity gossip community. Recently, Jaden Smith was photographed in public wearing a dress. The eccentric son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith has always been fashion-forward, but the fact that celebrity gossip is covering the femininity of his clothing choice is a problem. We're no longer at a point where it would be appropriate for a headline to read "Black Actor in Relationship with White Woman." It's 2015. It doesn't matter. It's not newsworthy. "

*I think it would be fine to point out that Jaden Smith wearing a dress could be helping to break down gender stereotypes and conformities, but that doesn't seem to be the way the story is formulated in most publications. They are pointing towards these individuals and saying: "Look how ridiculous and scandalous this is!" which, unfortunately, is not going to help progress transgender acceptance in our society.

I'm curious to see what Bruce Jenner will say in his interview with Diane Sawyer. I hope his message is one that can help spread awareness about transgender identity and the constant uphill battle faced by the community."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/molly-fosco/why-gossip-about-bruce-jenner-is-damaging-to-the-transgender-community_b_7063974.html

[marym625]

1. Although I agree that gossip is horrendous,

It is not gossip when stating she is in transition. Her mother, his ex-wife and kids have all, with her foreknowledge, stated exactly that. Though I can't recall the name she has chosen, she did choose one.

The horrific words being used against her are the problem. Though I think what she did with that accident was beyond terrible, the rest is a completely separate subject.

They all chose to live a life in the public eye. But it is people that are making the choice to be nasty and heartless.

I do personally know two people that transitioned from male to female and one that would love to but is unable to.

Don't think I don't appreciate the post. I do. Thank you

[damnedifIknow]

3. You're welcome

I just don't understand the hate being directed but then again I don't understand many things going on.

Damned if I know.

[marym625]

4. Neither do I

I just don't get it. And it's the immoral Christians that are the worst offenders in this area

[KittyWampus]

2. "this is a huge violation of the man's privacy". I appreciate most of what has been expressed

but have to point out that celebrities benefit in many ways from being in the public eye.

Celebrity becomes a form of currency and Bruce Jenner and his family have decided to trade in that currency. To use it to their financial advantage.

I personally am not curious at all about what Jenner has to say in his interview. I had to have a friend explain to me who the Kardashians are and why their names get plastered everywhere as if they contribute something society. I hadn't heard of Jenner's role in that whole circus either. Hadn't thought of him since the Olympics.

So why is the author of this piece so curious to see what Jenner says over what any other human being on the planet might say?

If that celebrity gossip didn't exist, the author wouldn't even know about Jenner or care about Jenner or be curious about Jenner.

[marym625]

5. If I may,

Though obviously true that publicity of any kind can be a cash cow for celebrities, this, if handled well by both Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Jenner, could have a huge and great impact on transgender people. This is a group of people that are oppressed more than any other group in America. The beatings, the murders, the bullying, the anti-transgender laws and the lack of laws to protect are commonplace.

I'm not trying to convince you to watch her interview. I just am explaining why it is important and, hopefully, the good things that will come from it