I'm sure we're all familiar with Bruce Jenner, whether we know him as the 1976 Summer Olympics track and field gold medalist or the stepfather of the well known Kardashian family. Last Friday on a nationally televised interview, Jenner came out and told the world that he is planning to undergo surgery to transform into a woman. Bruce will be just one of the many people in the world who are transgender, or a person who may have undergone treatment to become a member of their opposite sex. Bruce's case specifically has risen to be highly controversial, either receiving support or criticism. However, in my opinion, Bruce as well as any transgender around the world should be supported and encouraged to be whoever they want to be and to not be ashamed about it.
After reading an article supporting transgender individuals everywhere, I learned that "A whopping 41 percent of people who are transgender or gender-nonconforming have attempted suicide sometime in their lives." Don't you think it's just downright wrong that a transgender person can't be happy and comfortable living as whatever gender they wish? The fact that this 41 percent of people felt so alone and unhappy with themselves because of being transgender is upsetting and should not be an issue. As the article states, "No one should ever contemplate taking their own life simply because they feel trapped in their own body and believe they were destined to be someone else." It takes real courage to come out and say that you want to become the opposite sex and even more courage and bravery to announce it on national television, as Bruce did. Can't these individuals earn the respect they deserve for being brave enough to announce their wishes to become who they really want to be? People are always urged to "be yourself" by their parents and friends, but how are they expected to do that if society is constantly shaming transgender people for not being "like the rest of us"? If anything, transgender people should be encouraged to speak of how they feel and they should have the right to undergo any medical treatment to change their gender without feeling embarrassed, ashamed or different in a negative way. This issue is becoming increasingly popular, especially because of Jenner, and "it's time for Americans to grow up and start treating people the way they wish to be treated."
The opposing side in the article has brought up a counterargument to my position. Religious figures believe that being transgender is a sin since "it disregards God-given gender distinctions and provides for and promotes homosexuality." However, is harshly criticizing transgender people about their personal decisions so far that they attempt suicide not a sin? All throughout our lives we are taught to not bully others and to treat others how we want to be treated. Everyone deserves to be happy and feel comfortable and confident as whoever they want to be, but this can't happen until our society learns to be more accepting towards those who aren't living as the gender they were born as. The article words it best: "How many people have to kill themselves before we finally realize we are all equal regardless of color, creed or sexual orientation?" I honestly do not understand why everyone can't simply accept each other and treat each other with respect. "When will the day come when we are all accepted for who we are?"
Whether it's Bruce Jenner or a random person you meet on the street, all transgender people deserve the same treatment as the rest of us. With an increasing suicide rate among transgender people, a change needs to occur to help them all realize they are not alone and they are loved just the way they are. With Jenner mustering up the courage to announce to the world what he plans to do to change his gender, the other transgender people of the world should also feel free and confident enough to pursue their dreams as well. While society may never accept these individuals for who they are, I will always fully support them no matter how they choose to live their lives, whether as a male or a female.
I really enjoyed reading this blog post! I watched the whole Bruce Jenner interview that was on tv, and after watching it I was honestly very proud of him. I am proud because he made the decision to undergo the surgery to become a women despite what people would think, he did it for his own happiness. Once I read the quote that you added in your blog about the 41 percent of transgender people attempting suicide, I was really shocked. It just amazes me that these people are constantly put down and judged so much that they consider taking their own lives. I completely agree that these people deserve respect for having the courage to change who they are, and openly talk about it, just as Bruce did. If these people are brave enough to go through with it, then they deserve all the respect in the world. I really like how at the end of your second paragraph, you added the quote that says, "it's time for Americans to grow up and start treating people the way they wish to be treated." I thought that quote was an eye opener because people could realize that they are being so judgmental and mean to these transgender people and if anyone was ever as mean to them as they are to the transgender people, they would not be able to handle it. I thought your last paragraph was very well written because you gave a call to action saying that a change needs to occur to help the transgender people realize that they are not alone and they are loved. Your voice was present throughout this entire post, and you really showed your side, and your opinions on the topic.
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