Bruce Jenner

So I can't *not write* about this.

This is an incredible story, but incredible does not imply that it's all that unique... if you strip out all of the celebrity aspects. Which is the *very reason* that I feel it's an incredible story (because it's not all that unique without her celebrity status).

You can (re)watch it here: http://abc.go.com/shows/2020/listing/2015-04/24-bruce-jenner-the-interview

I can relate to parts of it, which makes me feel better and boosts my hope for my personal future. Exactly as happens when I read the stories of transgender experiences from bloggers (you people!!!) and others.

Our stories and our challenges are being heard outside of our own communities more and more. The media is casting a much more positive and supportive story about us every day.

Some may feel jealousy, because it's "easier" for her to transition because of her financial resources, no fear of losing her job, or her celebrity status. I have no doubt that is true, but let's temper "jealousy" a bit, maybe down to "envy" level. She didn't "do this" to us. She just more or less did it in front of us.

I don't know what motivated Bruce to do this interview, or the docuseries we have heard about. But from what I recall from the interview, she has had personal costs too. 3 marriages and it sounds like her relationship with some of her older kids have been strained as a result. One of the reasons keeping her from transitioning was hurting her loved ones. I think she said "letting them down". I know that feeling and I think a lot (if not most) of us do.

So why the interview, why the docuseries? Is it just to make a buck? I'm sure that's a part of it, but I also feel like she is really trying to re-cast herself (out of the ashes of the Kardashian relationship) as an advocate for transgender people. I really feel that she is using her celebrity status, and just as much her incredible Olympic decathlon success, to create positive change for all of us. About 15 million people watched it, and it was the highest non-sports related Friday night (US) program ever if I'm recalling correctly. So it did reach many.

Do you think it was difficult for her to make the decision to transition, to the world? Not just her friends and family?

Time will tell if she's dedicated to helping our cause :-) I am hoping to see her engage in the LGBT world regularly once she finally comes out all the way.