I am an ally of the LGBTQ community. Having researched and authored Jazz Mergirl, I have become very supportive of the growing movement for transgender rights and greater public understanding and acceptance.
So it was with great concern that I heard about the upcoming Diane Sawyer TV interview with Bruce Jenner, now Caitlyn Jenner, televised this last April. I figured this would be just one more typical Keeping up with the Kardashians-sort of episode. (Fair disclosure: I had never seen a whole show, just a brief view while channel surfing, so what did I know?) My concern was that the interview would do a disservice to the trans community by bringing a shallow, soap-opera-style approach to the program.
I was quite wrong, and must apologize to Caitlyn Jenner and Diane Sawyer for my having been so cynical and for assuming the worse. (Oh ye of little faith!) To the contrary, the two-hour program was carried out in an intelligent, sensitive, and responsible manner. Seen by about 17 million viewers, It served to draw widespread attention to the topic of being transgender, started a much-needed national conversation on the subject, and educated the general public about this little-understood segment of the population.
I believe that minds and hearts were opened. Rather than the media circus I expected, it turned out to be a most valuable and worthwhile piece of television history. I salute Caitlyn Jenner for the courage and determination she has shown throughout this entire process.
Next, the E! channel I Am Cait series. Stay tuned for more!
Videos:
Diane Sawyer Interview: http://abc.go.com/shows/2020/listing/2015-04/24-bruce-jenner-the-interview
Keeping up with the Kardashians – About Bruce: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2qjr5o
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