What #CaitlynCan but #CoxCan't
June 1, 2015 Caitlyn Jenner, formally known as Bruce Jenner, owned the cover of Vanity Fair with an inspirational message of revealing herself to the world as a proud transgender woman. Rewind backwards a little over a year, Laverne Cox, a star full of BLACK excellence such as her role in Orange is the New Black, graced us with the cover of TIME magazine. Both powerfully motivational trans women, but their main difference? One of them has the ability to use their intersectionality of being a minority within the majority to promote change unseen like ever before.
In the tumblr post linked here, Laverne reflects on her privilege as a celebrity in the trans community but how "the struggle still continues". The struggle being how race, class, and a plethora of other things allow some trans people to come to that cathartic reveal that she has had.
Like many others, I applaude Caitlyn for her courage to face the truth of how she identifies, both publically and privately. However, I THINK that she should use the momentum that she has gained in the public eye for those of who she directly and indirectly represents. The young trans man who lives in his small southern town with barely enough cash for his hormones needs you, Caitlyn. The middle aged woman who hides behind her mask of facial scruff and work boots to be able to support her family needs you. The thousands of transgender Americans who have yet to be statistically recorded needs someone to not only be present but also promising. Is that you, Caitlyn Jenner?
Being a mere college student, it may be hard for me to back this statement, but there comes a point where dues must be paid when you reach a point in the public eye. You lead and inspire all those who follow you endlessly through your charity work, donations or motivational speeches. Television shows can reach unbelievable ratings. Interviews show transparency. And tweets can make you relatable. But in the upcoming months, I truly hope that Caitlyn will use her spotlight for the greater cause that has been missing: the fight for healthcare, marriage rights, workforce equality, and so much more. By no means am I putting all of this responsibility on you, but I do expect you to be the change you wish to see.
In a time in America where being anything other than a straight white man is unsafe and abnormal, the fight for equity versus equality must be had. And who better to do that than with the woman who has lived the life of both? I hope to #CountOnCaitlyn.