Yesterday the internet went crazy over the Vanity fair cover showing off Caitlyn Jenner.  In case you do not know who Caitlyn Jenner is, no she isn't one of the lost Kardashian sisters, she was formerly known as Bruce Jenner. 

Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair
Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair
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I was raised with the motto "treat everyone how you would like to be treated" and I think that now more than ever in the case of Caitlyn Jenner, kindness and support is something she needs.  I have never understood why people were so enamored with the fact she was undergoing a transformation, mainly because I like to try to live by the phrase "live and let live."  Just because someone is doing something that maybe doesn't fit my lifestyle, doesn't mean it can't be right for them. However, the more I think about it, more I realize, maybe we should be talking about her.

I've seen a lot of comments on posts about Caitlyn saying "who cares" or things of that nature, but here's why I think we SHOULD be talking about Caitlyn Jenner.

Caitlyn Jenner is transgendered.  I'm sure you've heard the term before, but just in case, transgendered is someone who was born one sex, but identifies with another gender.  Sex is biological, gender is constructed.  Sex is the biological parts you are born with that identify you as male or female.  Gender is the social construct. For instance say you're having a baby, if it's a boy, blue is everywhere, he's going to be the star of the football team!  If it's a girl, pink everything! She's going to do ballet, and love all things princess! Those are ways society constructs gender, basically it's how you're "supposed" to act in order to fit in with what society deems as "normal".  But some people like Caitlyn, may have been born biologically male, but on the inside she identifies more with the female gender.

Caitlyn coming out has definitely sparked conversation, about the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender) community, and especially is bringing to light people who are transgendered.   I think in order to make something less of a "taboo" it needs to be talked about. Education is key. With all of the criticism, and negative out there I think it's extremely brave of her to want to come out and share her story.  I think it can only help those in the LGBT community know that they have a voice, and a place in this world.

I hope she helps people to know that it's okay to be yourself.  It's okay that you don't fit the normal mold society wants to put you in, that's what makes this whole weird world we live in beautiful.  If everyone was "normal" or fit the  mold society tries to put us into, there would be NOTHING happening in the world, it'd be a pretty boring place.

So when talking about Caitlyn Jenner, I think we need to remember the phrase mama taught us "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."  If you're words aren't words of kindness, then there's no place for them here.

 

If you or someone you know is LGBT and struggling with coming out, or just needs some help or resources, please know there are places in the tri-state dedicated just to helping the LGBT community. The Tri-State Alliance is a great place to start.  They work to educate the community about LGBT issues.  They also have a huge list of resources on their website so if there is something you specifically need help with they have a TON of resources.  Don't be afraid to reach out!

 

 

 

 

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