Will Caitlyn Jenner Become The Michael J. Fox For The Transgender Community
Last night Caitlyn Jenner was given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY's. There's a great history behind the award. It's where you heard Jim Valvano's Don't Ever Give Up speech. Other recipients include Michael Sam, Robin Roberts and Muhammad Ali. It's a prestigious award and a poignant moment on what is a pretty cheesy night of self promotion for ESPN.
There was some controversy over Jenner receiving the award. She hasn't been in the sports world for many years. There were others who were also deserving. Plus many saw it as a ratings grab for ABC and ESPN. Let's face it, who brings in more viewers, college basketball player Lauren Hill or someone who hangs with the Kardashians?
It turned out fine. Caitlyn gave a very touching speech and it helped bring a lot of awareness to the many problems facing the Transgender community.
But what's next?
Every community, whether it's a health or lifestyle group, needs a face. This person brings awareness and money to the issues facing that group.
Michael J. Fox, Gilda Radner, Lou Gehrig, Patrick Swayze, Richard Pryor, Jerry Lewis. You hear those names and you immediately know the cause. Parkinson's, Ovarian Cancer, ALS, Pancreatic Cancer, MS, Muscular Dystrophy.
Like it not, Caitlyn Jenner has now become the face of the Transgender community. What is she going to do? She has a show starting on the E network next month. Is that the start of her raising money and awareness or will she be lining her pockets?
Either choice is okay with me. People are entitled to live their life any way they choose. If she wants to make money for herself and her family, that's fine. If she wants to lay low and keep private, that's cool, too. For every Michael J. Fox, there's a Linda Ronstadt. Fox has a foundation that's raised around $800 million for Parkinson's research. If there's a community that could use a MJF as a face, it's Transgender people.
The stats are staggering. Twenty percent have been homeless. Forty-One percent have attempted suicide. Transgender people have been discriminated against in every way you can think of...education, housing, jobs, healthcare (both physical and mental). It's a tough way to go.
Last night at the ESPYs was a good start....but that's all it is...a good start. There are an estimated 700,000 transgender people in the United States. Last night Caitlyn Jenner gave them hope that things might be getting better for them.
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