I don’t watch the Kardashians. I know way more than I want to by just having them thrust in my face. But the tabloids treatment of Bruce Jenner really irks me. In Touch went beyond the pale with the photoshopped picture of Bruce as a woman.
When Bruce had the cosmetic procedure called a tracheal shave it was clear he was transitioning. There is no other reason for that surgery. I have a lot of respect for Bruce for finally standing in his truth. I cant imagine being born into a gender that you don’t identify with. He’s a gold medal Olympian. He been married many times. His hobbies…flying helicopters and playing golf seem very male. He’s fathered children. And it is just now in his twilight years that he is admitting to himself that he has a gender identity issue.
I just wish people would leave him alone. I can’t imagine how difficult this is. I would say it should not be on reality TV, but in this case, I totally support him for making a documentary about his transition. I think, despite how very personal this is, there needs to be role models for people struggling with gender identity issues. I actually know someone in this situation, so I guess that is why it strikes a chord in me.
I actually loved Kim’s support of her step-father and love that the family, with the possible exception of Kris is supporting him every step of the way.
I think we all need to be open and honest and accept people for who they are. It’s 2015. Why can’t people live the lives that make the most sense to them? Am I wrong about that?
Thoughts?
I absolutely agree with you! Bruce Jenner has always been a good person. People are People.
I don’t think you are wrong about that. If someone decides that they want to be this or that, or happier doing this or that no matter what it is, then that’s what they should do. If it doesn’t affect my life in any way positively or negatively I say live and let live.
I agree with you however I can’t see for the life of me where this sudden change is coming from? Bruce Jenner, a handsome manly white male, an Olympic runner some years ago, married had children and a popular reality show. Did he suddenly realized that God made a mistake making him a man and decided that his role and life as a man no longer suited his taste? I am confused! What torture he must have gone through all those years wanting OUT of man-hood. But it’s his decision to become a women. Finally he can feel like a woman, be like a woman, feel what a woman feels when touched by a man, of having all the body parts of a woman. The attention he is getting to transition to becoming a woman sure came as a surprise to a lot of people because I am still in shock. He want’s to tell the world about his decision and maybe with his new reality show this will give him the opportunity to explain. He doesn’t owe the world an explanation I would have felt ok if would have just quietly got out of the public’s eye and enjoy his transition in private, however maybe the media attention he will get from the show will soothe what is wrong and give him the satisfaction he’s been craving for, for so long. Bruce I pray that God will keep you sane through your transition because if you are not happy or satisfied now with your life in this world being a man, then, not even the transition can promise you satisfaction and happiness as a woman.
Bruce Jenner is a very brave person.
agreed.
The InTouch cover was abominable.
I feel very sad for Bruce that he’s going through all of this, and I also feel happy for him that he has the means to go through with it and has decided to do what feels right even though it is going to be under great public scrutiny.
People fear what they don’t understand and have no familiarity with, so hopefully this will help a lot of people in the long run, or at least open those doors.
I like Bruce and if he is transitioning I just hope he finds peace and support from all his children and ex-wives. The cheap photo shop tricks certainly aren’t making this a graceful transition.
Like you, I do not watch the show but have heard rumors about Bruce. I really live in a hole so I truly thought they were only rumors. Am surprised to read here that this is true. But I am happy that he is being supported by most. Not surprised that Kris doesn’t . That woman just rubs me the wrong way. Being famous and rich it seems is what matters to her most. She is probably embarrassed and that proves how everything needs to be all about her. I like Bruce and admire him for coming forward. You are right about how difficult it all is and I hope he finds happiness. Being born the wrong sex has got to be a hell no one else could begin to understand. Godspeed Bruce.
I don’t believe he is transgender. If he is, why wouldn’t he admit it? Until I heard it from him, I’m skeptical about anything I read on the internet.
I don’t believe any of this talk about Bruce, I think this is all publicity for those girls and their mother, they are using him for all the attention its getting. I don’t think it is true that he is transgender at all. I feel bad for him. It just makes me dislike those kardashians a whole lot more, and why are they the tabloids making such a big deal about the girls supporting their father, shouldn”t your children support you just for being their father u shouldn’t need a reason to sit all around him on a couch and make it look like they are supporting him in his change. This is all crazy, but that what they are just to make more money..
Hey Gemini…I think he is ADMITTING it by his actions. Most times our actions speak louder than our words. He may not have SPOKEN it yet, but it is very apparent that his transition is well underway, and has been for sometime. He’s been photographed with the following:
1) tracheal shave
2) lip injections
3) French manicures/red nail polish
4) wearing Spanx
I just wish him well for FINALLY living his truth!!
I knew something significant was going on with him mentally when he kept getting costmetic surgery. He was extremely handsome when he was young, so changing his face didn’t make sense to me. Now it does.
Why does he need to “admit” it? It’s his business, he doesn’t owe you or anyone else an explanation, announcement, or any acknowledgement of his person journey. Jesus.
Good for him I always liked Bruce and I am all for his happiness. I once had a crush on him many moons ago.
I supported Bruce when he was an Olympian (still have his Wheaties box!) and I support his right to happiness. I think he is extremely brave to make this decision to go for it. And this might be the reason we have been subjected to all things Kardashian for so long…all the rabid fans will now be educated on a very real and sensitive subject.
Oooh, what a very interesting and positive speculation! The Kardashians are here to educate people on a subject that is unfairly stigmatized. That is a very “glass half full” attitude. I like it.
Wait… he’s filming a documentary about his transition? Ok. That isn’t the thing that bothers me. What bothers me is when the media would ask, he would deny it. I understand denying it and trying to maintain the ruse if your intention is to keep it private, yet now you want to show the world? Intimately? With a documentary? That’s been filming for months? Logic fail.
Firstly, as far as I can tell he hasn’t really commented on the rumors so he isn’t really denying it. Secondly, even if he did deny it and there has been a documentary filming for several months, did you ever think maybe that was one of the conditions of his contract? Alot of celebrity announcements (pregnancies, engagements etc.) Are always denied or ignored right up until the official announcement.
Also as it is a very controversial topic both publicly and privately, it doesn’t surprise me he hasn’t made an official announcement about it yet. Logically he would have to have informed all of his family and close friends and setup his support network before going public. This takes time.
It’s common knowledge in LA.
I was mistaken… Kris was the one who denied it. I read this on another site a while back and just found it in their archives. Of course, she had her own agenda. They were still married at the time. I understand her logic, but I still don’t understand his. To me, it’s like having what’s supposed to be a discreet affair, yet posting make-out pictures of your adultery on Facebook for all to see. Why deny it at all or ignore the questions if you’re just going to broadcast it publically anyway? I don’t understand that, nor the celebrity pregnancy/engagements Michael offered as analogies. When celebrities are photo’d walking around with 8 pounds of human in their womb, the jig is up!!! Why are they still wearing big shirts and carrying books or big purses to hide the baby in pictures? I just don’t get it.
However, I do think it takes an extraordinary amount of bravery for Bruce to do this documentary. I think it has the potential to be powerful and thought-provoking. When I think about members of his generation, I think those are the minds that need changing. My parents cheered him on in the Olympics, but they can’t wrap their heads around the idea that a person can feel as though they’re trapped in the wrong body. This could really open some closed minds.
Agree with Micheal.
He doesn’t need to announce it, and he can go about his documentary how he chooses. He is still going through a very courageous thing. Just chill, people! Maybe it’s common knowledge in LA, but these people who think they’re entitled to any sort of explanation just blow my mind.
He didn’t deny it as far as I know. He just told them to fuck the fuck off. And even if the did deny it, it’s none of our business.
On Wed, Jan 28, 2015 at 3:05 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
I agree w/you TT. What other people do in their lives is none of my business. I say, do what makes you happy. I certainly hope that Bruce has support from his loved ones!
Ok, agreed, so if it’s none of our business why are we commenting?
yes, I think that is very close to the language he used in one particular clip I saw. I was like ‘go Bruce’.
I think that TT meant that being on the reality show during the transition amounts to a de facto documentary – not that there is a seperate film being produced.
No, I think he is doing a serious documentary, which sadly will be on E! but it is a real documentary.
No, I think he is doing a serious documentary, which sadly will be on E! but it is a real documentary.
Sorry – my bad!
I would watch that. Good for him (will gladly change for her if/when he announces).
I feel for Bruce . I am not a KARDASHIAN fan and not into the show at all. My mother loves the show the few times I have seen it was at her house & whenever Bruce was on camera which it seemed he tried to avoid somewhat it was obvious he wasn’t happy. I agree he has been a father his children are grown he should have a chance at happiness!
I agree completely.
In Touch is hiding behind their right of free press to publish trash. In Touch and other publications blatantly LIE to sell to bored non thinking people.
TT, that article really was disgusting with absolutely no truth in it. What happened to journalistic integrity?
I’ve no tolerance for people who claim gay marriage is wrong based on their religious beliefs. Keep your beliefs to yourself. Follow your beliefs but don’t force me to believe as you do. You don’t want to marry a same sex person, then don’t. Stay the hell out of others marriage.
Equality for all means exactly that.
How date you to try to add the word
EXCEPT when it doesn’t doesn’t fit into your life.
Sorry TT, this subject ticks me off.
I really like this blog, and enjoy reading all your comments every day…but I’m sorry, people of faith have AS much right to their beliefs. This country was founded on Judeo+Christian values after all…read some history. You don’t want religious doctrine imposed on you? I don’t want secular-ism imposed on me.
Team Kenya/Claudia/Rinna/Eileen
WTF?
On Fri, Jan 30, 2015 at 10:40 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Answer…a dissenting opinion. An intellectually honest debate has two sides. If that’s not welcome here…np.
Secularism? What exactly are you opposed to? She said that he should be able to deal with his ‘transition’ privately. Doesn’t your faith teach you not to judge? I have no idea what bruce is going through I doubt he has don’t this without deep contemplation otherwise it would have been part of the show a long time ago! I don’t know if he is going through a change but it won’t me think any less of him!
Understood! All I’m saying is…tolerance goes both ways. I’ve watched the show since Season 3…and yes, I do have compassion for him and anyone else feeling the same.
You are right though it goes both ways! I totally agree
I am so glad you did this post. I am pissed off at all the media exploitation, speculation, foolery, and attempts to shame him.
When In Touch , the “not good enough to wipe my ass with” tabloid, photo-shopped the cover of Bruce as woman, I was OUTRAGED. How dare they shame & humiliate this man for whatever he is going through.
I have NO idea what is going on with Bruce, and I won’t believe he is transitioning until I hear that directly from his mouth.
Recently I twitter I saw another gossip site tweet that In Touch cover to traffic people over to their site. Once there, if anyone read it, would know that the picture was a fake. But if you did not read their post and only looked at their tweet, you would think that was indeed Bruce as woman on the cover just by their tweets.
So I contacted that site, and told them it was wrong for them to use that photo shopped picture on social media to generate hits to their site, because twitter is full of ignorant people, and would see the picture as fact when it is was nothing but foolery & an attempt to media shame Bruce Jenner to make acknowledgment or comments…. Surprisingly they agreed with me with my point of view, and deleted all their tweets that had the fake picture.
I actually have a fond spot for Bruce Jenner on many levels. First in 1976 when I was a young boy, he was EVERYTHING.& EVERYWHERE. He was the man of America, an Olympian Gold Winner. Every boy wanted to be him when they grew up. Plus as a confused young prepubescent boy, I knew he was hot, and I had the biggest secret crush on him. Have you all seen his photos from the 70’s, he was a hot guy.
I still don’t know what to think, but I will wait until he says something. Sometimes I just think he has an addiction to plastic surgery like Michal Jackson did.
A part of me thinks that Kim K talking about this yesterday is only a way to LURE & HYPE people to watch their reality show when it starts soon, which happens to have been on a ratings decline for the past few seasons.
Absolutely agree, UF. It’s the homophobic/transphobic aspect that pisses me off – you know, it’s “so gay” for a man to like nail polish, etc.
We must be the same age – I remember too all of the things you said – and yes, Bruce was suuuper hot. Remember when he was on CHiPs? I caught a rerun the other day with him in it and swoon!
Bruce can’t wear red nail polish without being ridiculed, but male rock stars and “Goths” in general can wear black nail polish, not to mention eyeliner, and that’s OK. Makes no sense.
Of course I remember him on CHiPs…. And he was a regular on my favorite show ever, “Battle of the Network Stars”, where are all the celebrity men were half dressed wearing those tight disco shorts or speedos. #HotInHerrre
I completely agree. I like Bruce. And I hate that he has been the butt of so many “jokes” for years. Now, if this is true, I can completely understand why he would want to keep it secret.
Like TT said, it’s 2015. When are we finally going to accept people for who they are?
As for the rest of the Kardashians, I can do without them. Their show is nothing but a platform to brag about their wealth. Who cares?
UF, are we around the same age? I’m shocked!
Bruce Jenner trained at our local college (SJCC) before winning the Olympics, he’s always been a hero here, and he will always be loved by everyone who grew up with him. I think most of us could never understand how he got involved with “that family”. If anyone could help bring positive awareness to transexualism, it’s Bruce.
Whatever makes him happy he should do. I hope in my lifetime we get to the point that nobody cares (makes a big deal of) so n so coming out of the closet or who’s going through a sex change. It’s none of my business and it’s nobody else’s either. All anyone should care about is that everyone else is HAPPY and SAFE.
I don’t know what’s going on with Bruce. I won’t believe anything until I see and hear Bruce say it in an interview or documentary. What In Touch did with that magazine cover was disgusting. I don’t judge people on their sexuality. It’s THEIR SEXUALITY not mine. I applaud Chaz Bono for his transition. It made him happy. Who didn’t know that he was never comfortable as a female even as a child. I also applaud Angelina and Brad with how they are handling Shiloh/John. I not sure if their child is actually transgender or going through a phase but as parents they are supporting her/him!
The 4th paragraph should start as “Recently on twitter I saw”
UF- I love that you reread and submit corrections to your own posts because I do the same #ocd
I miss you and the freaktards. I haven’t seen the finale yet so I have been avoiding your recap which has been sheer torture! Battle of the Network Stars was awesome to watch! I too liked the men in their jiggle jaggle shorts.
I don’t know what is going on with him, and whatever he chooses, I am with him. There are at least 4 people at my company who have transitioned, some look better than others. We only had to remember to call them by their new names. Hell, I’ll call you whatever you want me to call you. Godspeed.
I’ve been irked at times lately too about the media’s treatment of him. It has certainly brought out the ugly side of our culture – the sexism and homophobia/transphobia is right there under the shallow surface of most of the stories. The attitude is: why would he want to abdicate his position of privilege as a wealthy white man to become “just” a woman? Especially a man who had succeeded in such a masculine arena as the Decathlon. It just seems so unbelievable – although I believe one of the symptoms of gender dysphoria in men is a pursuit of hypermasculine careers/endeavors.
Well IF that’s what’s truly going on with him, I hope he finds the peace he wants and deserves. It has to be one of the most difficult paths to walk.
Well said Urethra. That cover was nothing more than bullying. Bruce has always struck me as a very decent man and father. I only wish him the best in whatever he does, or is.
Does anyone remember when the tabloids went on a jag and accused Eileen Davidson of being a man? If I remember correctly, it went on for months.
Good for Bruce, maybe the media will leave him alone now and find someone else to harass that deserves it. They have been on him since his first plastic surgery. I am sure there is a male actor in Hollywood that deserves the negative attention. It is nice to see something nice written about him for a change. He gets full credit for being a decent human being, can you imagine being married to Kris?
Lord have mercy I could never understand what Bruce sees in Kris, ick.
@GeminiSister, I remember that. She was on Y& R right? I think that was in the late 60s or 70s. I’ve often wondered why did they say that about her in the first place. If I remember correctly they even had it out that some of the other cast members didn’t even want to film with her. I’m sure they (the tabs) sold a lot of mags during that time.
Eileen joined Y&R in 1982.
@Geminisister, do you recall approximately when that rumor was about Eileen? IIRC , it was back in the 80’s, and it seems like Phil Donahue had a show about trans gender, and she might have been mentioned on that program. Damn, I am really showing my age! Maybe I have this vague memory all wrong. Stranger things have happened.
I think it was during the 80’s I just remember her being on the cover of some tabs where the focused in on her “man-hands” and said she had an Adam’s apple. I always thought it was bullshit. And obviously, it was.
Live and let live. It’s obviously a slow month in gossip land when In Touch photoshops Bruce in makeup on their cover. I read that the picture is of a real woman’s face, although I don’t know if it’s true. Is he for sure doing a documentary?
is it a documentary? or a reality series? One I can respect…the other, not so much. And that has more to do with the production company than with Bruce J. If it is a reality series, I don’t think he will fare well.
I wish him/her strength and courage on a very difficult path. It makes me happy that the transgender community has a strong role model. They need more.
Either way is fine but he’s always welcome on the girls’ s team.
* Any Way is fine.
I support Bruch and any other human being going through the same thing. Can you imagine living your life as something you are not. We need more tolerance and respect for those who are not like us and do not share the same beliefs.
*Bruce
I couldn’t agree more. I was at the grocery store yesterday and saw several tabloids with headlines concerning Bruce and I thought it was disgusting. Leave the man alone. I cannot imagine how hard it was for him to finally say this is who I really am and I won’t hide it anymore. Add all the media bullshit and I don’t know how the hell the poor guy has coped. I wish Bruce all the best and hope he’s surrounded by people who support and love him.
I’m with UF on this — I will not believe he is transitioning until I hear it from his mouth. The speculation in the media is just sickening to me — yes, a tracheal shave is mostly likely for a MTF, but we don’t know for sure thaf is what is going on in Bruce’s case until he says so. Otherwise, that’s why there is HIPPA.
Don’t get me wrong, I will have no problem if he *is* transitioning, I just think it should come from him — when *he’s* ready and on *his* timetable — not speculation and rumor shaming him. It reminds me of “outing” famous gay people — while I can’t imagine ever living as someone I am not, I think people have the right to decide for *themselves* how they want to live — if they don’t want to be publicly out it is no one’s damn business to out them. I understand the other side of the argument (bring more awareness, etc) but we are talking about deeply personal stuff here and the decision to open up and share should be personal as well.
*And no I do not count Kim talking about Bruce’s “journey” as confirmation of his transitioning as I think she will say and/or imply anything for ratings.
there is NO OTHER REASON for a tracheal shave. He is transitioning. I don’t doubt that at all.
I thought I had pretty much acknowledged that re: tracheal shave. But that wasn’t really my point, which was: I don’t care if he transitioning, but IMO he should be the one to share if he is, in his own time and in his own way and only if he chooses to. Again, just my opinion about him or any one else for that matter.
It’s easy to say there is NO OTHER REASON for a tracheal shave until yes, there may be another reason. Again, if this is none of our business as you (TT) said earlier then we should not comment on it.
I cannot begin to fathom feeling that you are not living a life where you can be true to who you really are sexually. I hate that people joke about it and make fun of these people. No one would put themselves through the emotional and physical torture if it were not something they feel they MUST do.
Rumors about Bruce Jenner have been circulating for years. I wish him well in whatever his journey may be. Perhaps a documentary is the only way to put the rumors to rest since he is such a public figure. Maybe when people find out his truth, they will leave him alone, but I doubt it.
I am In total agreement with you TT. I worked w someone that chose to change from male to female. I wish the tabloids would leave him alone. I removed when chastity went to Chaz I did a documentary about it. This is 2015 FFS
I just think that it’s very sad that people cannot treat people with respect regardless of ethnicity, gender, orientation, faith, etc.
What this man is doing is very courageous. To completely change everything about yourself and to have it on display for the world to see must be terrifying. For In Touch to makes this man’s life that much harder is just so wrong. He had to have felt uncomfortable in his skin for decades, and now people are beong malicious and leeching off of his pain.
It just rubs me in such a wrong way. I just finished watching Transparent and applying that to this situation just really puts it in prospective.
I thought this was all just made up stuff by tabloids, until Kim made her comment. So I’m kind of bothered that in an indirect way, she has outed his struggle and confirmed what the tabloids have been saying. But who knows, maybe it has been agreed upon what any of them are to say when asked about this topic.
Just because he had a tracheal shave youre assuming he is changing his sexual identity! Amazing.
Any way the wind blows.
He is making a documentary about his transition?! I agree with you. It’s really nobody’s business.
One of my son’s closest friends since pre-k (they are almost 19 now) is in the process of transitioning from female to male. While this friend’s immediate family members and friends are nothing but supportive, I know it had been difficult for him and that is without being in the public eye.
I hope that Bruce continues his journey in the same manner he has, which is quietly and with dignity and I hope any program/documentary he may be involved with shows his transition in an equally dignified manner. For young people like my son’s friend, something like this (if done right) can only help make their path easier.
I saw Kim interviewed re. Bruce on tv the other night. It was most impressive to me how she calmly stated it was up to Bruce to tell his own story……….period.
I hope he finds happiness. Has anyone seen a recent picture of Chaz Bono? The man is looking hot!!!
I hope his story helps others! When my daughter had her surgery, I met a few older transgender women and I admire them so much for finally living their truth. It wasn’t easy for my daughter even 5 years ago much less 30 or more years ago for Bruce. I will support this documentary and hope it is inspiring and not sensationalized.
I did see that cover in the grocery store and I immediately thought it had been Photoshopped and how awful it was for them to do that. Celebrities need the media but the media goes too far too often. I suppose that is the hazard of being in the limelight. I look forward to seeing his documentary. Everyone has to live their truth or they can never be fulfilled in life. It’s a life lesson. Sometimes it takes courage, and due to the time it took him to follow that truth, it must have taken a huge amount of faith and courage to take this step considering who he is. This step is as herculean as was his Olympic victory, but perhaps more satisfying. Some would say, he is the ultimate champion.
Thanks for doing this post TT! Bruce is a good guy! He doesn’t deserved to be grouped along with the Kardashian clan.
Bruce is a good guy and like it or not, it was his choice to make the “Kardashian clan” his family. I’m glad to see them defend him as I am sure he will always defend them.
I’m happy for Bruce but I don’t believe those people (Kris, E!) will handle this delicate subject with the care it deserves. They are too money and ratings focused to keep it real.
If I were kris I would feel cheated or betrayed perhaps, my sister married a man who some years later told her he was gay. This was 3 kids later and according to her, sex maybe once a year if that. He’s brave yes but had he been courageous enough to be honest, this might be easier for those around him. Wish him happiness and peace.
I watch plenty of crap tv. I remember the pivotal moment when a contestant crapped on the floor on Flavor of Love. But I draw the line at the Kardashians.
I did see that cover in the grocery store and I immediately thought it had been Photoshopped and how awful it was for them to do that. Celebrities need the media but the media goes too far too often. I suppose that is the hazard of being in the limelight. I look forward to seeing his documentary. Everyone has to live their truth or they can never be fulfilled in life. It’s a life lesson. Sometimes it takes courage, and due to the time it took him to follow that truth, it must have taken a huge amount of faith and courage to take this step considering who he is. This step is as herculean as was his Olympic victory, but perhaps more satisfying. Some would say, he is the ultimate champion
TT thanks for your support, I to love Bruce Jenner
He is a true american and have repersented our
Country,he have also pleased everybody but himself. I wish him success, and love.
This is a great piece TT. I agree it’s none of our beeswax, and Bruce seems a nice man.
Great post and kudos to Bruce for standing in his truth. I’m looking forward to the documentary. Don’t know much about it, so I’m excited to learn about the journey.
Well said, TT.
I have a friend who is transitioning, she is about halfway through her transition. People have been HORRID to her. I am appalled at what some people say to her! She’s moved a half a dozen times to get away from disgusting people….
Jenner is 65 and in his twilight years??!!!!!! Yikes.
Bruce, it gets better.
I am fond of Bruce Jenner and so happy for him that he’s living in a time when he’s able to transition, live and be loved and accepted as a woman. God bless.
I will get involved and post my opinion when I know it is true, seems like we are all wasting our time speculating on rumors. Some people are over involved in this conversation.
Shame on In Touch–I really believe they crossed the line. I’m the eternal optimist, and think the support of his girls is just that–support. He seems to be a really good dad and step-dad. As for Kris, I have to kind of give her a pass. Even without the reality circus, it would be an unbelievably hard thing for a spouse to deal with and I can’t fault her silence. Didn’t she slam In Touch? Can’t particularly judge her based entirely on the show since its not always clear what might be real and what might be a good story line. I like what I know of Bruce, and think it must be awful to endure such scrutiny in such a fishbowl.
If Bruce openly comes out as transgender, then I am in 1000% support of him and his family. But when did he ever state that he is, in fact, transgender? This “outing” of Bruce seems like some serious transphobia on behalf of the magazine and maybe not even true. Just because he is connected to that awful family, they are throwing shots at Bruce and the biggest insult they could throw is that he is trans. Ugh, this country is still so f’d up when it comes to acceptance to transgender people and LGBTQ issues as whole.
When I was still undecided in Community College my sociology teacher held an optional seminar with the former auto mechanic teacher who transitioned from a man to a woman. My class was about 10 years ago and the teacher said they want to Thailand to get the full surgery done. We were able to see before and after graphic pictures. He was married with kids, very manly, but said he always felt like a woman. I was so grateful to have that class pretty early on in life.. it taught us a lot about transgendered and not to judge people.
Bruce needs to get away from the whole Kardashian klan. Kris kinda leaked the rumors when whispers of their divorce leaked she put out “rumors” that he liked to wear her clothes.
I hope Bruce finds happiness in whatever his future holds.
Thank you Tamara! I believed from what I was seeing & reading that Bruce was transitioning but it just drove me nuts the way all the gossip rags chose to handle it! I too admire his courage to live his life openly & fully agree that I think he will help many young people understand more. Maybe we can avoid more suicides like the one that we read about a couple of weeks ago when a teen stepped in front of an 18 wheeler rather than go on living in a world that can ‘t or won’t accept. We lost family member many years ago before hardly anyone knew of it & even now my heart aches to think of the pain he suffered before taking his life. Great & compassionate blog.
Thank you, TT. There is too much homophobia/transphobia out there. I’m a big fan of the gays & I always have their backs. Even so, I’ve been really curious about what’s going on with Bruce. The thoughtful way you wrote this post has encouraged me to leave him alone & stop reading these shaming stories. They won’t get my clicks anymore.
If he is going with what is truly in his heart, I say good on him. Even better that his kids support him. I don’t keep up with these people, other than the unavoidable tabloid mentions. Is the divorce final? That may be why Kris is less than accepting. She’s pissed she won’t be making money off of this. Or…
Maybe she has a speck of human being being in her heart. As a wife, I can see where she might think her marriage was a lie. She might feel betrayed. I know that’s giving this vapid woman too much credit but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
I don’t know. Just speculating.
I, too, have someone close to me, a niece, who identified with the opposite sex from an early age. Her mom was a devout Baptist who disowned her only daughter, for a while. Then she had top surgery,took male hormones and is now is a male, with a beard and a wife! His mom has finally accepted him. But the struggle was so hard and emotionally damaging. And he is not a public figure, ridiculed and emasculated in public like Bruce. I pray that Bruce finds happiness and that this journey documentary is not some ratings ploy for KUWTK or other foolishness. I hope he does this to empower other transsexuals and help them make the transition. Good for him/her!!!!!
Perfectly stated. I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments.
I’m disgusted with how he has been hounded. I get hounding Kim, as she seeks media attention, but Bruce is going through something personal I don’t perceive he’s sought media attention for. Leave him alone!
As much as I despise that entire family, I agree he deserves whatever happiness he can find. Can you just imagine living with those people. I would have to transition into a hermit, living on a mountain somewhere.
Having said all that, just think of the anger and hurt and betrayal an ex wife would feel ( a normal ex wife, not Kris), having lived so long with a man that would keep that kind of secret. I would have to question everything in my live, and reevaluate my personal truths.
great post. I watched some of the Kardashian shows. Bruce seemed like the most level headed and down to earth of the bunch. He seems like a gentle soul. He is the only one in that damn family that ever really accomplished anything meaningful with his life. This life is hard enough for all of us — I can’t imagine adding a gender assignment issue on top of it. Go Bruce! Thanks for standing up for him, TT.
I think it is great that he is transitioning. That said, he is part of the biggest fame whorish family of all time, and is still actively engaging in their fame whoring ways by filming their dumb show. That means people will talk about them. The inTouch cover was tasteless, but that is the reality of our tabloid culture in 2015. I guess what I’m saying is transitioning or not he is still a person, not a saint, and as a person he has continually put himself in the position for years to be gawked at by the public. Of course that won’t change suddenly now.
Our culture is sexist, homophobic, and transphobic and that needs to change. I hope his documentary is enlightening and educating and not just some other exploitation of real life by the kardashians.
I’ve been reading the ‘articles’ about Bruce for a while. I have no clue whether he is or isn’t going through a transition. A good person is a good person.
If you read enough articles about Bruce you will realize that the article always ends with quotes from his ex-wife, Kris, or from Kim. IMO all these articles (including the In Touch fiasco) comes directly from these two. At one time if you searched Bruce Jenner even his website result showed Kris Jenner first.
Thoughtful commentary. Amen to that!
While I’ve always given his (ex?)wife Kris the side-eye for being such a shrew to him on national television for years and always found it odd that a person would subject themselves to that level of disrespect on national tv, I do believe he should be left alone to do as he wants with his life, whether he is transitioning or not, without all the nasty insults, even as a public figure. Jenner was such a huge pop culture hero when I was a wee one, (giving away my age now-eek!) I used to love him & pint-sized Mary Lou Retton on my Wheaties boxes as a kid; whatever it is he’s doing, I believe he should be left alone to do so, and if and when he chooses to share info on this particular aspect of his private life then so be it. In the meantime, in a perfect world it would indeed be nice if folks in the gossip magazines and talk show media could let up on attacking whatever it is he’s going through: the names they are calling him…just horrible…
There is no other logical, rational way of looking at it TT.
This is probably my favorite of all your posts. So compassionate and insightful. I completely agree, even with his decision to be a public role model (which I originally was puzzled by). Thanks, TT.
^^……agree 100%. As the mother of a gay child (young adult now) whatever happiness and however they can get it, within reason of course, go for it. Real life problems are in an abundance and I just don’t think that a choice of sexuality should be on the list. Health, Happiness and financial security….that’s all any real parent should want for their child. In the Kardashian world, I’m a nobody from no where, but I support Bruce and any other person making decisions for their own life. Thank you TT, for giving many of us a place where we are safe to advocate support for individuality over what “society” deems “correct”
How old is this guy? At his age, why even bother? He’s wealthy and lead a very privileged life, but I guess he’s still unhappy. Celebrities seem to have an illusion of entitlement and sadly, become very self-centered and lose touch with reality. Mr. Jenner will never be happy or satisfied.
Really, Sandra? Are you privy to his bank accounts? He certainly portrays no sense of entitlement to me. He gave up 6 years of training 8 hours a day while selling life insurance in his off hour practices. He missed proms, friends, free times, etc. No one helped him out. He made his own way on his own money and he broke world records at the 1976 Olympics when he won a Gold Medal in the Olympics. He became a national hero after the Olympics and was actively pursued to be the spokesman for Wheaties. He has even starred in movies, learned to fly and obtained his his flight license. He supported the whole Kardashian after his now ex wife divorced. She never received alimony.
Finally, the comment of “How old is this guy?” and “why even bother” is none of your offing business. He could live another 20 years, maybe more. If he chooses to live his twilight years as a woman, it’s none of you damn business. Making stupid statements like he’ll never be happy or satisfied implies that you actually know him. I doubt it. You sound too stupid.
So if I don’t agree with your particular point of view, I’m stupid? You don’t know me, but you feel you can make a personal attack against me. Yes, he did leave a legacy, but It’s been a long time since 1976. Calm down.
Age has nothing to do with transitioning. He probably never wanted to involve his kids and his family with the process. Now that he is divorced and the kids are older, he may feel free to change.
I loved what you wrote. Much has been written in papers and various magazines after that article in In Touch and I have only seen a rare negative comment. There is a feeling of support from his viewers that this is his life and route, privately or publicly is a difficult course to take (that’s an understatement). I have been a long-time watcher of the Kardashians in the past several years, but for the most part, I couldn’t figure out why these kids were ‘famous for being famous’ and did not understand how three outrageous girls pulled in an entire network and country and made millions if not billions from it.
I am equally pleased that as the girls have grown, they have come to defend their father, Bruce (though not their biological father). He quite literally came in and not only emotionally supporter all four of her children, but financially took over and actually provided the very fancy roof over their head, the clothes on their backs, the food that they ate, etc. Kris and Robert Kardashian’s divorce was so contentious, that R. Kardashian said he would not provide for her and if forced to do so, he would drag her through the legal system relentlessly (she deserved it in this case).
Before Keeping Up With the Kardashian became a household name, Bruce was the breadwinner and was a wonderful, loving, decent father to all of his step-kids. Still, I don’t think that when they were young that any of them gave him much credence due to their mother’s influence who surely emasculated him publicly and I’m sure, privately. He was the butt of their jokes, told what to do and what to wear. I always felt badly for him.
I applaud Kim for supporting him (something I think a younger Kim might not have done), declared Bruce her father and stated that she and her sisters would always support their father wherever his journey might take him. I applaud her and her and the rest of her family, except for Kris who clearly can’t even come to the cameras as the family matriarch and applaud and support Bruce, Despite their mean, ego-centric mother, the kids turned out pretty well and I think, in part, because of Bruce.
Yeah, why bother at this late date? I don’t agree with him doing this without extensive psychological counseling first. The way he went about feminizing himself without any explanation to the public was wrong, it invited a lot of speculation. He’s been forced into this public admission by his refusal to talk, and refusal of the public to stop talking and speculating about what he was doing. Had he been honest with the public first, that wouldn’t have been an issue. And oh, why is he still wearing his wedding ring after they got divorced? That tells me a lot.
They didn’t bother with any marriage counseling when they got a divorce, just a short while after they had “E” pay for an expensive “renewal of vows”/vacation in Bora Bora. From the show, it wasn’t that long that they haven’t been sleeping together, it was sleep apnea that drove Kris out of the bedroom. I think she then realized she could dump Bruce and not have Hollywood hate her. She had enough money, fame and power of her own and could live the life she wanted. He said “three strikes and you’re out” about him marrying again. So he’s embarked on this bizarre journey. Just because he cross dressed in the past doesn’t make him need a gender change. And putting a bunch of hormones in his body doesn’t make him a woman. He’ll never have a period, children, menopause like real women do, so what’s the point?
Kim is saying she supports him publicly, she’s also quoted as saying privately that his doing this makes her look bad.
Wow.
On Thu, Jan 29, 2015 at 2:31 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Maybe he’s had a psychiatric evaluation. Maybe he and Kris tried counseling. We just don’t know. A middle-aged man in my town committed suicide a few yrs ago, because he couldn’t afford surgery/wouldn’t move away from this one horse town. Again, we just don’t know.
And there it is, all wrapped up in a pretty package with a big bow! There are a number of issues in the above post that will do nothing other than serve to stir the pot. But, I am curious – how are you privy to some of these personal issues in the Jenner marriage? Are you an insider/close family friend or simply someone attempting to stir the pot by putting their personal POV out there as ‘gospel’?
Has anyone noticed that the people that were SO very ready to skewer him when this story first broke are now the people jumping on the band-wagon to back him ‘ride or die’ style? Even though the original article clearly stated that Bruce was NOT speeding/texting/driving recklessly, so many of you were ready to send him ‘up the river’ because an unfortunate accident occurred in which he was a participant!
Does anyone really understand why there have been a couple of statements made lately as to the mental health (for lack of a better term) of this blog? Sometimes, it’s like a feeding frenzy – one drop of blood in the water, and boom! It’s off to the races to see how much blood can be drawn or how much skin can be flayed off the particular victim at hand! Sometimes, a light-hearted posting of cute babies dressed in adorable clothes is JUST THAT! It is NOT a call to arms to lambast the parenting skills/family unity or pick the parents apart! A silly video of a rather portly cop singing and dancing in his police vehicle became an open platform for racist comments/size remarks and just plain nastiness! But the one that topped them all lately was the one in which someone decided that, because T has no children of her own, that she was not qualified to speak-up in regards to comments made about parenting! Completely disregarding the years of teaching experience, the care and feeding of nieces and nephews. If the kid didn’t pop out of her body, she had no business speaking about parenting! Let me tell you from experience; just because you are a biological parent, that does NOT mean that you should BE a parent! Take a step back and go back and read the postings – the evidence is clearly there, if you take the time to read what is written and not what you THINK is written.
Ok, the floor is open – go for it!
I don’t think you can win a decathlon without setting your sight on the thrill of victory. Will always be an American hero to me. Only he knows what’s best for him.
Tamara I hope you don’t take offense. I have to let you know you are my spirit animal. When I saw the pics of the In touch cover I was horrified. I am so happy that you are raising awareness of how poorly they are treating him. I am surprised that he would want to put himself out there on E! like that given how I found him to be poorly edited when I used to watch the show.
I agree people should be happy and live their lives the way they see fit. However, you really hurt others when your living a lie???? Bruce was probably born having gender issues and yet went on to marry and become a father to many children. Even though the children might accept this it’s really embarrassing for the wives!!! But then again how many times would my husband have to steal my panties before the picture became clear to me?
Really – stealing your panties! Embarrassing for his wives? Seriously?! There are NO WORDS!
I support you Bruce Jenner. Its your life and your the one who has to live it. He’s been a good role model, for many. Let him enjoy his life how he sees fit.
Thank you ma’am!
Why are people calling that accident the “Bruce Jenner accident?” Did he cause it? Really ridiculous. While I think Jenner would be much handsomer if he had left his face alone, I like him.