Why Bruce Jenner Matters

Two Kardashian related posts in a row? Yes, it’s true. Except this one has a lot more substance and weight to it.Bruce

Rumors are swirling around Bruce Jenner given his new appearance- long hair, nail polish, possible lip injections. It all points to one unconfirmed occurrence: he’s transitioning into a woman. According to Kim, he’s on a “journey” and it’s “his story to tell.” That’s probably the first time Kim has ever kept her mouth shut, but bravo for her not spilling the beans. It is his story to tell, which is why if this is true, it is so much more important for it to be told.

Whether we like it or not (mostly not), the Kardashians are global celebrities. They have a lot of power (if you can call it that) and influence on people, which is still mind baffling. Yet if Bruce transitions, they collectively have the power to globally address the topic and give the Trans community possibly their biggest awareness ever.

Over the past year, the Trans community is finally getting a voice- Transparent just won Best Comedy at the Golden Globes while Jeffrey Tambor won Best Actor in a Comedy for his portrayal of a father finally becoming who he was meant to be. Laverne Cox from Orange is the New Black is so lovely and even graced the cover of Time Magazine. Yet for every positive story there is one like Leelah Alcorn’s. We have a lot more ground to tackle so that kids aren’t committing suicide out of fear and that ignorant people aren’t spewing hatred.

timeIf Bruce Jenner gets a new reality show, which is rumored to happen, people will have the opportunity to watch his transition and understand the struggle and joys associated with it. If this happens, he and E! really have a moral responsibility to handle this properly and not just try to exploit this for fame and money. If done correctly, people all around the world who may not understand what it means to be Transsexual will have the opportunity to see it and maybe, just maybe, think that if the Kardashians are okay with it then they are okay with it too.

This would be the first time the Kardashians’ approval of something would mean volumes. This would be the first time I support something they care about. This would be the first time I would watch the show and think, “this is good.”

Let’s all hope that if true, Bruce Jenner and the Kardashian clan open the door to something wonderful. And if it’s true, all the power to you, Bruce.