Like most of you, I watched the Diane Sawyer interview with Bruce Jenner on Friday night. I can honestly say I have a new respect for him. He bared his soul in front of the world, and I was pleasantly surprised that, from what I saw on social media, I was not alone in my feelings.
.
I remember, as a 70s kid, watching him compete and win Olympic Gold. His image was everywhere, and yes, I remember his face staring back at me from the Wheaties Cereal box at the breakfast table. Girls loved him and guys wanted to be like him. We put him up on a pedestal as America's champion.
.
I couldn't help but remember someone in my own family who lived with a secret her entire life. While not transgender, she was gay. She had a special woman in her life during the 50s and 60s, but sadly, because of society at the time, they hid what they felt for each other. Eventually they went their separate ways. After spending years alone, she married and lived a life others found "acceptable". I never once saw the look in her eyes and the joy on her face that I saw as a small child, watching her with the one person she should have been with. So sad and so wrong.
Everyone should be able to live in their truth. A lot of folks have said "Why Now"? I say why not now, it's better late than never. I hope his life from this point on will be the one he has always dreamed of, and that people in his life stay supportive.
Bruce is back up on that pedestal now, and I am cheering him on !!!
I couldn't agree more. Everyone deserves happiness in their life, and no one has the right to deny them that. Social media is a good thing, but it also brings out the haters who just need to stomp that dream. I hope with Bruce sharing his story, that it will have a positive affect on others who are afraid to let the world see them as they see themselves. You get one life, and like you said "Why not now?!"
ReplyDelete