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A review by jmkressebond82
The Secrets of My Life by Caitlyn Jenner
3.0
I was so conflicted when I heard that this was coming out because I really do not know how I feel about Caitlyn Jenner. On one hand, I am fascinated by her story, on the other I hate what she stands for politically and judge her because of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians".
The entire time that I was reading this book, I went back and forth being empathetic and annoyed. Empathetic because I cannot imagine the way she felt as Bruce knowing that she was not her true self, and annoyed because parts of the book felt like she was very ungrateful for living as a celebrity and being afforded many things that "normal" people would never be able to have. I was annoyed by the fact that she was able to get her surgeries and transition so quickly with the best plastic surgeons, knowing that the vast majority of trans people struggle to come up with the cash to be in the body and gender that they identify with through surgery.
I was also annoyed with myself because I was judging her for being rich and being able to do these things without financial burden, when she did earn her own money. I understand why some members of the Trans community do not like her as they think that she does not represent the vast majority, but I also empathize with Caitlyn because I do think that the advocate work she does is from a good place. I think a lot of my bias comes from "Keeping Up with the Kardashians"and her political views and her "former" opinion on gay marriage.
Overall, I am happy that I took the time to read Caitlyn's story. While some parts seem whiny and self-loathing, other parts are understandable and heartbreaking. I hope that her strength and courage help young people struggling with gender dysphoria to at least talk with a counselor or someone who can help them. At a time when hate crimes against Trans people occur at a very high rate and some of people immediately judge or dismiss Trans individuals, I think that it is crucial for there to be a voice for the community. With individuals like Candis Cayne, Jenny Boylan, Laverne Cox, Jamie Clayton, and Caitlyn Jenner becoming household names, I am hopeful that Trans people will continue to gain the love and acceptance that they and all human beings deserve.
The entire time that I was reading this book, I went back and forth being empathetic and annoyed. Empathetic because I cannot imagine the way she felt as Bruce knowing that she was not her true self, and annoyed because parts of the book felt like she was very ungrateful for living as a celebrity and being afforded many things that "normal" people would never be able to have. I was annoyed by the fact that she was able to get her surgeries and transition so quickly with the best plastic surgeons, knowing that the vast majority of trans people struggle to come up with the cash to be in the body and gender that they identify with through surgery.
I was also annoyed with myself because I was judging her for being rich and being able to do these things without financial burden, when she did earn her own money. I understand why some members of the Trans community do not like her as they think that she does not represent the vast majority, but I also empathize with Caitlyn because I do think that the advocate work she does is from a good place. I think a lot of my bias comes from "Keeping Up with the Kardashians"and her political views and her "former" opinion on gay marriage.
Overall, I am happy that I took the time to read Caitlyn's story. While some parts seem whiny and self-loathing, other parts are understandable and heartbreaking. I hope that her strength and courage help young people struggling with gender dysphoria to at least talk with a counselor or someone who can help them. At a time when hate crimes against Trans people occur at a very high rate and some of people immediately judge or dismiss Trans individuals, I think that it is crucial for there to be a voice for the community. With individuals like Candis Cayne, Jenny Boylan, Laverne Cox, Jamie Clayton, and Caitlyn Jenner becoming household names, I am hopeful that Trans people will continue to gain the love and acceptance that they and all human beings deserve.