Laverne Cox's Reaction To Caitlyn Jenner Reveals The Impossible Expectations Trans Women Face

There has been a din of voices -- many of them cisgender -- weighing in on Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair reveal. The majority of commentary has been support and praise. Aside from the usual string of transphobic comments from Internet trolls, most reactions have been positive, revolving around Jenner’s bravery, beauty and “realness” -- concepts that the cis mainstream often clings to when embracing trans women. So when Laverne Cox posted a Tumblr blog yesterday celebrating Jenner, but also unpacking the politics of beauty surrounding Jenner's warm reception, it was an interesting moment to gain real perspective from a trans woman. “Yes, Caitlyn looks amazing and is beautiful,” Cox wrote, “But what I think is most beautiful about her is her heart and soul.” Cox argued that the emphasis on trans women's beauty can be dangerous, writing, "There are many trans folks because of genetics and/or lack of material access who will never be able to embody [cisnormative beauty standards]...we should be seen as ourselves and respected as ourselves." Too often, mainstream acceptance is based on how traditionally feminine a trans woman can look, and often, a lack of material access, or a lack of desire to appear traditionally feminine makes it harder to achieve that acceptance. There’s no denying that wealth and whiteness inform Jenner’s positive and groundbreaking public reception. What is perhaps most interesting about Cox’s commentary, is how just beneath th...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news