Caitlyn Jenner: Not The Trans Hero We Deserve | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Caitlyn Jenner: Not The Trans Hero We Deserve

Caitlyn has our support as a trans woman, but, as a trans hero, she is not the advocate the community needs.

654
Caitlyn Jenner: Not The Trans Hero We Deserve
Vanity Fair

When Caitlyn Jenner first stepped forward and told the world "I am Cait," the transgender community and allies rejoiced. While there have, of course, been several other notable transgender figures over the past few years, Caitlyn received by farthe most attention, and it's probably because we all walked with her during her coming out and her transition, and, now, we are listening to her while she completely destroys every ounce of respect she had within the transgender community.

As a part of the LGBTQ+ community myself and a huge ally to transgender issues, Caitlyn is no longer the advocate that we had so been hoping she would be. While I support her as a fellow woman and as a transgender individual, I can no longer agree that Caitlyn is an ally to our cause. Here are a few reasons why:

Caitlyn opposes same-sex marriage.

During an interview with Ellen Degeneres, one of the most popular lesbians out today, Caitlyn openly announced that she was not at all for same-sex marriage. While there was a slight indication that these views may have changed during Cailtyn's transition, Ellen seems to be quite convinced that Caitlyn still opposes marriage equality. For Caitlyn to have become such a huge figure for the LGBTQ+ community, this is especially alarming and only allows space for homophobic individuals to further oppose fair and equal treatment to married queer couples.

She is not an accurate representation of trans struggles.

Caitlyn is not like your average coming-out story, but her story has certainly received a lot more attention than that of the average trans person. She does not reflect the difficulty that many trans individuals go through before, during, and after their transitions. In fact, many trans individuals do not fit themselves into one box of femininity or masculinity based on their gender change, and are likely to not ever really consider themselves as cisgender in their new roles, because being trans is not a black and white line between being a man or a woman. Caitlyn, however, in all of her fame, has constantly presented herself as the picture of femininity, poise, and glamour, while there are still trans women out there who, while they identify as women, may never want to be as feminine as Caitlyn. Caitlyn's prominence in the media makes this an issue for others who are coming out because she has set a standard of what one should be after transitioning, but not all trans women will meet the standards that have been laid out for them by Caitlyn.

Caitlyn has downplayed the importance of using correct pronouns when referring to the trans community.

I honestly just don't understand how Caitlyn is accepting of people refusing to accept her new identity. I get that it's hard, and accidents are accidents, but it is so important to the trans community that we treat them with the respect they deserve, and a part of that is that we honor the pronouns and the gender they have chosen to embody. It is not okay to ignore their wishes because of cisgender ignorance or intolerance for trans rights. For someone who is struggling with the identity crisis of being born to the wrong body, being reminded of that through pronouns is bound to be hurtful.

Most recently, Caitlyn voiced that she openly supports Ted Cruz for President.

Caitlyn has received a lot of backlash for being historically republican, but, for me, that's not really the issue here. For most people, it's completely understandable that they would have their personal preferences for who will be the next president. However, since Caitlyn has chosen to endorse Cruz, there is not much more respect that I can salvage for her. Caitlyn could not have chosen a less-respected candidate for trans issues than Cruz. Cruz does not support trans equality, and, as a transgender woman, one would think that Caitlyn would have higher standards for a presidential candidate.


These are just a few of the things that Caitlyn has done to prove that she is not worth the unequivocal support of the trans community. While we can remain her allies as a part of our LGTBQ+ network, she is not an advocate for trans needs and rights, and it's best that we put our faith in someone more likely to put their faith in our trans community... And in case you needed an example:

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

192284
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16090
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458809
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27141
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments