Bruce Jenner, famous for being an Olympic gold medalist and reality TV star, is in the media again this week. On Friday night Jenner appeared in a 20/20 interview with Diane Sawyer. In front of 17 million people, Jenner declared, “For all intents and purposes, I am a woman.”

Prior to the interview there had been much speculation about Jenner’s gender identity. Was Jenner transgender? Much of the speculation came in the form of mocking or derision as unflattering pictures were splashed across magazine pages. For many trans people across the globe, the spectacle was intrusive, offensive and hurtful.

In the 20/20 interview, Jenner comes across as genuine and honest. The journey that is shared is intimate and heart wrenching as Jenner describes the pain of hiding their true identity. In the words of Laverne Cox, actress of the hit TV show Orange is the New Black, this interview shows Jenner as a “profoundly nuanced, complicated, beautiful human being.”

Since the interview aired, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Sam Smith joined the chorus praising Jenner’s bravery and honesty. Jenner’s family also came out strongly in support, with Kim Kardashian West tweeting: “Love is the courage to live the truest, best version of yourself. Bruce is love. I love you Bruce #ProudDaughter”. Having the support of one’s family can play a very positive role in a trans person’s quest for self-acceptance.

There is no doubt that Jenner’s interview and the discussions that have arisen as a result have raised the profile of trans issues in popular culture. Jenner’s journey will help many trans people find the words to describe their own experience and help friends and families understand what they are going through. But as we celebrate the heightened visibility and the positive role of support, it’s important that we move beyond visibility to actual social change.

Irish Trans Experiences

There is no doubt that many trans people identified with Jenner’s story. However, the vast majority of trans people live lives far away from Hollywood and simply do not have the privilege or resources that Jenner enjoys. What the 20/20 interview must do is provide an opportunity for us to highlight other trans experiences, particularly those closer to home.

In my experience, trans people are some of the most resilient, creative, courageous and honest people I’ve ever met. This is because we’ve had to adapt and we’ve had to be true to ourselves. But we do live in a world that can be very hostile to our identities and the impact is devastating.

In a recent study conducted by TENI it was found that 78% of trans people had considered suicide and 40% had attempted suicide. These numbers are way above average and underscore the high levels of stigma and marginalisation facing our community. For many of us, years of hiding our identity, family rejection and transphobia can negatively impact our mental health.

In the same study, TENI found that only 51% of trans participants were employed either part-time or full-time. Twenty-four percent of participants reported being unemployed but seeking work, which negatively compares to the national unemployment rate of 10%. Trans people also report being unfairly fired or dismissed when they disclose their gender identity. For those that are working, experiences of harassment and discrimination in the workplace are not uncommon.

Ireland remains the last country in Europe with no legal gender recognition. This is despite a High Court ruling in 2007 that found the State to be in breach of its positive obligations under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in failing to recognise Dr. Lydia Foy in her female gender and provide her with a new birth certificate. Lack of legal recognition leaves trans people vulnerable and at risk of discrimination. The Gender Recognition Bill is now working its way through the Oireachtas and when passed will be an important step towards trans acceptance.

As Jenner graces the covers of tabloid magazines and is fodder for gossip columns, it’s critical that we remember there is a person beneath the superficiality. More importantly, it’s necessary that we shift the conversations away from one individual’s gender identity or transition to the issues that really matter to the trans community. Because visibility isn’t enough and doesn’t address our daily struggles. We need to move beyond the Bruce Jenner story to build a society that is more open and welcoming to trans people.

A word on language:
Transgender or trans refers to a person whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.

For more information:
Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI)
01 873 3575 / www.teni.ie

TENI’s Speaking from the Margins Report is available here.