Caitlin Jenner shows courage deserving of the Ashe award
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
Lots of people have lots to say about Caitlyn Jenner. What bothers me the most are the backward, bigoted people who have lots to say. But, that always seems to be par for the course, doesn’t it?
I have not been in my graduate program very long, and I am by no means qualifying myself as an expert on transgender issues, but it doesn’t take a Psychology degree to recognize a lack of empathy in our country. Don’t we have better things to do than argue over the definition of the word “hero”?
The Arthur Ashe award is presented to individuals whose actions transcend sports. I think that a former world champion decathlete, who has felt trapped inside the wrong body for over sixty years, taking center stage in front of millions of watchful eyes in a long, white, gown is pretty damn courageous. I thought her words further demonstrated how much bravery it takes to stand up and be honest about the person you are inside:
“If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead, because the reality is, I can take it. But, for the thousands of kids out there, coming to terms with being true to who they are, they shouldn’t have to take it.”
You can find many different statistics about suicide and the LGTBQIA community (yes, there are many more letters than before, deal with it) but the bottom line is, the rates are astronomically high. And, those children are watching, listening, and internalizing everything that is being said about Caitlyn Jenner on the radio, in the paper, on TV, and from YOU.
Is it a confusing issue? You bet. And, it is not politically incorrect (in my opinion) to be confused or to have questions. What I cannot stomach are the people in this world who hide behind a bible and preach intolerance. If you do not understand, EDUCATE yourself.
Let’s face it, Americans have made heroes out of athletes who use drugs, drive drunk, beat their wives, and deflate balls to win a game…yet, we’re quibbling over giving the same respect to a person who takes off a mask and reveals their true identity, flaws and all?
HOW MESSED UP IS THAT?
I love this post circulating the social media channels written by a 23 year old behavioral health specialist enlisted in the Army. If you haven’t read it, you should: http://bzfd.it/1LuRdhu
I, for one, was moved by Jenner’s speech. I think she has all the qualities of a true hero. And, because this is a fashion based article, I am also immensely proud that she hired a stylist unconnected to the Kardashian clan when it came time to select a dress. That custom Atelier Versace was on point!
Kudos, Caitlyn. You go girl.
