We’ve heard for months that Bruce Jenner is in the process of transitioning. Until recently, it’s all been speculation and rumors based on his changed appearance. We heard a few days ago that Bruce is getting a reality docuseries that will chronicle his journey. There’s also news that he will do an interview with Diane Sawyer, to air in May, in which he will discuss his transition. Page Six reports that this is not sitting well with E!, because Diane Sawyer works for ABC and E! is owned by NBCUniversal. So of course E! would have preferred that Bruce give the scoop to NBC News.
Somehow Radar scored an interview with Bruce’s elderly mom, and she both confirms that her son is transitioning (which has been reported by major news outlets like People) and that she loves and supports him. This interview really touched me. She says such nice things about Bruce, and it’s really heartwarming. I got a little teary, I have to admit.
“I just learned about [his transition],” she told Radar exclusively. “Bruce filled me in, and we had a very long, long, long talk about it.”
Confirming the news that he’ll share his journey on a documentary TV show, Esther said, “I have never been more proud of Bruce for who he is, himself as a father, as an Olympian, a wonderful public speaker. He instills enthusiasm in people. He’s gifted.”
Esther admitted she “did not know of his” inner struggle until recently. But she insisted, “Right now I am more proud of him for what he’s allowing himself to do. I am more proud of him now than when he stood on that podium and put the gold medal around his neck. He deserves all the respect.”
“I support him whole-heartedly,” she continued. “I just love him like I always have.”
And why, after all these years, is Bruce speaking out now? Esther said that even in his most challenging moment, Bruce is thinking of the millions he may help.“If he can help other people with emotional problems,” she said, then it will all be worth it.
That was so nice to read. Bruce’s mom is fully in his corner, even though she’s just kind of finding out everything now. I especially liked what she said about never being more proud of him, and she gushed about what a great person he is.
According to Radar, Bruce’s ex, Kris, isn’t as supportive. She’s allegedly worried that Bruce coming out as transgender will somehow affect the family’s ability to get money for showing up to stuff. We’ve already heard that Kris ‘freaked out’ when Bruce broke the news. Kris has also reportedly demanded that her girls take sides in this issue, with Kris of course wishing that Bruce would stay quiet and let her continue to run their empire as usual. Also, Kim’s kind of bland supportive statement about Bruce’s transition is said to have pissed off her family because she broke their “code of silence” about it.
I don’t know if I believe all that, I mean I do think that Kris isn’t supporting Bruce wholeheartedly because he’s pulling focus. Kim was perfectly kind to Bruce and she didn’t say much, just that “that’s his journey to talk about.” I think that was fine and that her family probably agrees.
Photo credit: Pacific Coast News and FameFlynet
Her journey to talk about. HER. Come on people. It’s not that hard. Change your freaking pronouns.
I really considered using the female pronoun, and I really considered writing about that decision in the story. However, until Bruce personally speaks out about it I believe that it is the custom and that it is respectful to refer to him in the male pronoun. Once he personally speaks out we will of course refer to Bruce in the pronoun of Bruce’s choice.
I think it was far more awkward coming from Bruce’s mom, who has been informed directly of the transition. But she must be incredibly old and it may take until Bruce has completed all steps that she will change this? If she is still around.
Yup totally agree CB!
Agree.
I’m w/ you, CB. It’s premature at this point. His mother sounds like a total sweetheart. I’m proud of Bruce for showing so much class in the way he has handled his transition, and kudos for choosing Diane Sawyer for the interview.
Kim looks beautiful in the pic with Bruce. It hurts me to give her a compliment.
Agree 100%.
As an lgbt person, I think his moms very open and positive comments on the situation are enough to okay the use of the word ‘her’ or the gender neutral ‘they’ but as you say, it’s hard to know what to do when he hasn’t made his own statement yet.
I wonder will she choose a more traditionally cis-feminine name ?
@ Kiddo. I admire you, you are one of my favorite posters, but I was somewhat offended by your statement that his mother must be incredibly old and may not be around after the transition. She’s probably just in her 80s…not that old anymore. My mom died two years ago at the age of 88 and I never once thought of her as old…her mind and wit were just as sharp as ever. We live in an age where many, many people pass the Century mark.
Judyk, I’m Sorry, I didn’t intend for it to be offensive, but in retrospect I could see how it could be. I just thought Bruce was pretty old, and my thought was that his mom was ancient. I’ve had some longevity in the history of my family,however, those people were outliers, but I do see your point. I didn’t think that Bruce’s mom wasn’t sharp. She’s seems together and very open-minded, with the true sense of unconditional love.
Also, condolences on the loss of your mom. At any age, it’s still a big deal.
Why not use the gender-neutral pronoun “They” until we know for sure how they self-identify.
Thanks Kiddo. 🙂
Good call CB. We still don’t know Bruce’s preferred pronouns. There are gender options other than cis man and trans woman. I would like to hear from Bruce or people directly employed by Bruce first. I like using “they” and other neutral pronouns when I’m not sure but I respect the approach of using the last publically confirmed acceptable pronoun, too.
Agree!
Agree!
Agreed 100% CB. it’s not up to us to decide which pronouns Bruce wishes to use. Let Bruce decide, and go public when it’s appropriate.
BTW many now use them and their as gender-neutral pronouns. I believe Angelina & Brad use that for Shiloh.
^ this. thank you.
Until Bruce actually says something, the pronouns are appropriate. Jumping the gun can be just as offensive. Celebitchy is absolutely right.
Yes, I agree. What does Bruce want? Does he want to be called “she” right away, after he begins dressing or living as a woman, after he changes his name, after he has some sort of understanding with his family, or after he makes a public announcement? Let him tell people what he wants.
I absolutely agree with CB until Bruce confirms a transition it’s unfair to subject our assumption of a pronoun based on gossip sites. And as some have mentioned Bruce could be genderqueer (transitioning but still identifying as male).
Yeah, hold your outright. When Bruce reveals his new name and publicly makes a statement THEN it’s proper to change pronouns.
Way to jump the gun and get offended for no reason. there’s one on every thread I swear.
I would suggest avoiding pronouns if possible, or using gender neutral ‘they’ pronouns, until we get an announcement on what Bruce uses. The pronouns have been bothering me as well, and I’m glad the first comment addresses it. Bruce has probably been struggling with this for a lifetime; let’s be compassionate and try not to make it worse. No one deserves that.
“They” is a plural pronoun. It isn’t correct to use “they” to replace ” he” or “she.” It has become commonplace, unfortunately, but it is, in fact, a grammatical mistake.
Thank you grammar – it was bugging me, too!
It doesn’t matter if they is grammatically incorrect; common language hasn’t caught up enough so it should be used regardless
“They” is not decidedly incorrect grammar. In fact, I’m sure most of us use it (or at least encounter it) in singular use far more often than we realize. How else would you complete the sentence “The customer gets to choose their toppings” or “If someone wants to ride the roller coaster, they must wait in line.” It is no longer considered correct to use a generic He (from what I’ve read on grammargirl, all of the official style guides advise against this). Many people may not like the use of they in reference to a singular antecedent, but it is not considered out and out incorrect.
And regardless, as Sarah says, language tends to move at a slower pace than social advancement anyways. It should not trump compassion or respect for an individual.
Lee1, it is incorrect grammar and to answer how you’d complete the sentences, I would say “his or her” for the first example and “he or she” for the second example.
If “they” is commonly used in the trans community, that’s another issue but in common usage “they” is indeed plural.
Esmom, I will simply link you to this article (https://motivatedgrammar.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/singular-they-and-the-many-reasons-why-its-correct/) since I think it does a fantastic job of explaining why it is not incorrect. It may be disliked by many and reworking the sentence may be preferable if possible, but it is not absolutely incorrect (especially not in casual usage like blog articles or internet comments).
But you are correct that it’s usage within the trans* community makes the question of grammatical correctness rather irrelevant in the current context.
To anyone saying it’s grammatically incorrect: First of all, it really isn’t. I’m an English major, and it’s been discussed within my major, and the general conclusion is that you can use it. And, more importantly, you’re putting grammatical correctness over someone’s identity, and that’s really crappy of all of you. There are other gender neutral terms, but ‘they’ is the most common and easiest to use. I’m sorry, but when people complain about how correct it is grammatically, it just sounds like an excuse to not use the right pronouns. Language evolves. So should our ideas. I really suggest clicking the links other posters have put, and educating yourselves. I have friends who are trans and gender non-conforming. Every time they have to hear these comments, they get upset. Educating yourself is really not that hard.
Don’t worry, I’ll be getting off my soap box now.
Oh! Cb- I didn’t mean you. I meant Kim and his mom. It’s very basic first level acceptance for family members. I think you guys are right to wait until she/he addresses it. You guys are always extremely sensitive to these nuances and I think that’s great.
I don’t know that there’s an accepted protocol of when the pronouns change. With Manning, pronouns started changing when we got the new name – Chelsea. Same with Chaz Bono. Let’s get the new name and then we’ll start with the pronouns.
He’s always going to be a he – can’t change the chromosomes, can’t change the gender. However I agree with being compassionate as to how somebody is addressed.
So, you’ll be going by chromosome status when you’re talking to someone before you use pronouns – electron microscope and cheek swabs at the ready? Good luck with that.
(Trying to point out that your criteria for pronouns are not really useful if you actually plan to have trans people in your life rather than talk about them on a website.)
Not to mention, your understanding of biology and sociology is pretty limited if you think gender is completely decided by chromosomes.
I just don’t understand why these types of comments aren’t treated as the transphobic nonsense they are. If someone said to me “I don’t care how many states/countries legalize it, you are you ‘wife’ will never really be married”, people would be horribly offended and would be responding to the poster with the appropriate outrage (assuming such a comment would even be published). This is essentially the same thing. It’s legally and medically untrue and it serves no purpose to the conversation other than denying someone their identity.
If you are attempting to be compassionate, leaving out your first sentence would be the most helpful part.
No. You are wrong.
There are people born with male chromosomes and female or mixed genitalia.
There are people born with female chromosomes and male or mixed genitalia.
There are people born with mixed chromosomes and mixed or male or female genitalia.
We don’t even know all of what we don’t know in science about gender, sex, and so on; a blanket statement like yours is wrong on too many levels.
So if you suddenly found out a friend you’ve known for 10 years is transgender, would you start using the pronouns for their assigned at birth gender?
Is it just me or has there actually NOT been any confirmation that this is ACTUALLY happening? Gossip rags are full of sh*t sometimes. Maybe he’s not trans. Maybe he is. UNTIL IT IS VERIFIED, WE SHOULD STOP SPECULATING!!!! Who cares about pronouns at this point?! If he wants to be a she, HE WILL TELL EVERYONE then you can use the appropriate one!
NONE OF THIS HAS BEEN VERIFIED.
I hope for his sake he IS transitioning because otherwise this entire media circus would be RIDICULOUS!
I feel you. Reading everyone refer to Bruce as “he” is really really upsetting. They are clearly transitioning to something other than “he” and should at least be referred to with a gender neutral pronoun like singular they or ze, until they make a public statement about their preference.
Also to the people screeching about singular they and grammar. You are actually just wrong. What you learned in English class in elementary school is wrong. Maybe try listening to a trans person who has done lots of research about the linguistic history of English pronouns and made a difficult decision on which to use BEFORE you speak up.
Kris is a greedy famewhore, but I don’t believe that she’s not supportive and is forcing her kids to take sides. Everything about this family is made for TV, but I actually do believe that they are as close as they say they are.
I’m also wondering how this must have been pretty surprising for her, seeing as she was married to Bruce for so many years. Now, I’m not saying that it’s not also a case of Kris’ wanting all the attention for herself, but it does have to be a bit shocking to hear, no? Unless she always had an inkling and just kept it to herself, IDK.
In any case, if Bruce is happy then the family should be happy for him.
Yeah I could see how it would be damaging to her ego.
They were married, had kids.. so does he identify as a lesbian?
Since he is actually a woman?
Did he marry her for show?
Was he ever attracted to her? was it all a lie?
Yeah I could see her having these questions and it causing her problems.
. . . a mother’s love. :'( I’ve always felt sorry for Bruce–from what little I saw of the Kardashian show. I hope he can find peace in his heart.
I wonder what she’ll want to go by ( Please don’t be a K name ffs)
I wonder what would happen if Bruce chose Kris’s name…
Omg that would be the ultimate troll for Bruce to go by “Kris Jenner” as well. Kris’ head would absolutely explode.
I’m proud of Bruce for making this public. I hope that his story does help others struggling with Gender identity!
I wonder how on earth he wants to be a woman after being surrounded by 6 nasty women for the past 20 years. it means he’s either not all there or effing crazy to want to become a woman after he’s seen what they are day by day.
I was kind-of wondering if he feels left out, since all the women in his life get the spotlight?
Ever consider since he’s felt female inside for a long time, perhaps he enjoyed being surrounded by lots of female energy?
I think Bruce would be more miserable having to act uber Butch in his home life after his public life (until recently) was able being a male athlete.
@Greyson, Bruce loves sports and still does to this day. He goes out and races cars. He is addicted to golf. He loves loves loves his collection of remote-controlled helicopters he flies as a hobby. He was an Olympian. Bruce loves doing stuff with his sons, because they enjoy the things that he loves most and that his daughters don’t Bruce transitioning to a woman will never take away his love of sports. That’s who he is, woman or man. He’s just fine with boys in the household.
@Jayna, did you even read paola’s comment above which wondered why Bruce would want to be a woman after living with the 6 Kardashian women?? Or did you skip ahead just to get offended at mind?
Makeup, discussions of clothes, manicures, etc were all part of his private life for quite some time with him having daughters. The point of my comment was that he probably found solace in such instead of retreating to his “man cave” as men stereotypically are expected not to want to be a part of such things.
Reading comprehension is a wonderful thing. Use it more.
@Greyson
You might be right but I can’t think of a worse example than the Kardashians-Jenner girls as the final push to transition into a woman.
LOL
@ Paola:
“I wonder how on earth he wants to be a woman after being surrounded by 6 nasty women for the past 20 years. it means he’s either not all there or effing crazy to want to become a woman after he’s seen what they are day by day.”
This is incredibly offensive. I’m not trans, but from what I’ve read, people who are trans feel trapped in the wrong body. They’re not crazy or not all there. They’re in the wrong body, period.
I expect it is heresy, but speaking as someone who is not all that much younger than Bruce, if I had put up with being a man for 65 years I’d put up with it a bit longer rather than go through all this. Yep,sounds unsympathetic and not very empathetic but there we are. I think it’s self indulgent. The wrong body? On a different point I certainly would not want my ” journey ” on the tv. But then this family puts everything but their colonic irrigation on TV- or maybe I just missed that episode
“Makeup, discussions of clothes, manicures, etc were all part of his private life for quite some time with him having daughters. ”
Being female has nothing to do with those things, that’s a social definition of a woman, but if somebody transitions to wear make up and wear female clothes I think they have a very superficial concept of gender roles.
I think the former wives must have known something.
His first wife once talked of supporting Bruce’s decisions, I think maybe there were hints long ago.
Wishing Bruce the best, I like his personality, on tv. He seems like a nice , caring person.
His mom is a sweetheart, love her.
That’s what I was wondering. How fun to pick a new name, haha.
I was just about to comment something similar as Celebitchy. Until Bruce publicly comes out to confirm he is in fact transgender, I think it is most respectful to use masculine pronouns.
Until Brice announces his transition himself, he should be referred to in male pronouns. This is all still speculation until Bruce says the words so he can have control of the situation. His mom confirming it is a pretty big deal, but still, needs to come from Bruce.
While we all have a laugh about Kris controlling etc, it can’t be easy to see your ex husband transitioning but it can’t be headline news to her. I never thought I would say this, but I kind of feel sorry for the Jenner girls. It can’t be easy seeing your dad transition into a woman. I know they are famous blah blah blah but it would be tough. I am not sure I could handle it as well if my dad said he was transitioning into a woman. Before you all have a go at me for saying that, yes we all love our parents but its got to be less than easy to go through this with Bruce. Maybe very tough on teenage girls no matter what they say publicly.
I honestly think all they care about is the ratings for their stupid show and how much people will talk about them from now on. They’re used to get talked about silly and shallow stuff but this is dead serious. Bruce is indirectly making them better persons. Not because they really care or suffer about his imminent transition but because they’ll make us all think they do care or suffer.
All they care about at the end of they day, behind closed doors with no cameras or paparazzi, is their multimillions properties, money in the bank, expensive clothes and followers on twitter.
It would be very tough, because they change. Bruce is most likely on hormones, will change his name down the road as he transitions, be in full face make-up. Will his voice change on hormones? I don’t know.
I always felt for Cher once Chaz’s transition was complete and finally got how hard it was for her. Chastity was a lesbian for her adult life and dressed boyishly, but there was a softness in manner with Chastity, her soft speaking voice, etc. Sweet girl. As Chaz began to emerge more after taking testosterone, his voice completely changed, deepened, his facial structure and body characteristics more masculine. He even said his girlfriend had a problem dealing with his more aggressive nature after taking testosterone, etc. As a mother, Cher’s daughter completely disappeared at the age of 40, with a very masculine man replacing her. His heart was the same, but I got the mourning that Cher probably went through for a while.
I think it will be an adjustment for the kids, no matter what age.
I admit to being shocked and not expecting Bruce to actually be transitioning into a woman…..but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. And frankly to finally be able to live as your true self, after 60+ years of conforming to what society deems appropriate, is so incredibly brave. This makes me like Bruce even more. What an amazing person. Beyond inspirational!
My thought is that Bruce may be finally doing what is right for him. Joel Grey, at age 82, came out as gay after having been married for 24 years and fathering 2 children. In 2013 Clive Davis also announced that he is bisexual. All of these people are 65 and over. Wonder if they want to finally be themselves.
Bruce please, whatever you do just keep Kanye away from your wardrobe.
If he does THAT to Kim (that supposedly is the woman he loves) on other people can get much much worse.
Run away. Far far away.
Best. Comment. Ever.
LOL
Funny!
SO true! Stay away Kanye!
Perfect!
It’s no ones business but his to talk about. I don’t even understand why his personal choice needs to be made such a spectacle, needing him to sit down with Diane Sawyer. He’s a grown up who can make whatever decisions he damn well pleases. Good for Bruce. It’s obvious the girls are on his side as opposed to their mothers. I wish him nothing but the best and hope this transition makes him happy.
His mother sounds like a lovely person.
Kris is trash.
I’ve liked Bruce’s mom Esther ever since I learned that she is not close to and has never been fond of Kris. Pimp Mama confirmed she has not spent much time with her MIL, but the girls enjoy a warm relationship with their Grandma. After fully transitioning, Bruce will remain his kids/stepkids father, the role we serve in the lives of others is not predicated solely on gender. Though publically he will likely choose to be addressed by a new name befitting his female form, a name is just that and if s/he chooses to go by The Lady FKA Bruce Jenner, more power to her…..May Bruce find peace thru living his truth and may his bravery inspire others to do the same.
There’s no way Kim or Kris are too mad — this just keep them relevant.
Good on him for choosing Diane… she is the premier interviewer, IMO. I can’t think of anyone on NBC who would’ve been appropriate.
I can’t either. Diane Sawyer is empathetic and intelligent; I can see why he chose her. She’s a good listener, too.
I just hope that this isn’t some giant PMK scheme. And yes I do think as a minion of Satan she totally would have someone fake a gender change. If it’s legit, then all the best of luck, he’s going to need it. It has just really caught me off guard. I know everyone’s journey is different, but a friend of mine did the M to F transition and it was like oh finally, that should have happened at birth! Bruce just never struck me as someone who was battling a desire to change, but who knows.
This family has pulled a lot of stunts ,but imo this isn’t one of them.
I am really sorry, but I always read your name as “fingerbAnger”, and then it makes me think of the Southpark episode where Cartman had a boyband hit called “fingerbang”.
That’s ok. That’s funnier.
I will wait for that interview with bated breath! Keeping up with Jenners would be more interesting after this interview I guess, no wonder Kris is worried about her Kardashians now.
I’m happy for him. He has a very particular role in our society that can help a lot of people with his transition. Young people feel connected to the Kardashians and my parent’s generation love their Olympian. I hope that he can change the hearts and minds of many who don’t believe in being transgender.
If this all ends up being true, I hope Bruce will be happy with his life. Whenever I see pictures of him back during the Olympics, he was so good looking. If he wants to change, how long has he been thinking about it?
I don’t believe Kris freaked out. She’s known about his feelings longer than anybody, and I’m sure is in on how he has slowly been unveiling this. I have no doubt she is the one who leaked his Adam’s apple surgery. She is only freaked because he didn’t let her produce this. LOL
I admire Bruce so much for doing this in the face of the gossip media for the past year. People have slowly gotten used to it, and I believe it is best for him to interview and talk about it, so that he can speak for himself and not try to hide from the public.
I wish him well and years of health and happiness living his new authentic life He deserves it after living with Kris for so many years. LOL
I know this must be hard for his own children after having him their whole life as dad, but it seems like they are rallying behind him. I will be tuning in for his as I think it is an interesting journey.
His mother’s remarks made me tear up, too. How sweet.
What a mind blowing but wonderful journey happening before our eyes. The Kardashian-Jenner clan are a phenomenal bunch of people. I hope everything turns out for the best for all of them.
Oh my.
Phenomenal bunch of people?
Kardashians, phenomenal? LOL Most of the Kardashian clan are listed in the dictionary under the word “narcissist.”
Phenomenal? No, just no.
Do you know who the Kardashians are? Those aren’t the words anyone who knows who they are uses
Radaronline is basically National Enquirer or Star Magazine.I have a feeling they tricked that elderly lady into talking to them.I really doubt they mentioned that they were basically an online tabloid..
As for Diane Sawyer she is perfect .She is a LGBT ally and very sensitive.
I wondered how Diane was doing since losing her husband, Mike Nichols.It will good to see her again
Someone else already did something like this years ago. I can’t remember the guy’s name or what channel, maybe A&E or something similar to that. It started with him going to therapy and then with the doctor signing off on the operation and followed him until he was a she. It showed how awful the hormone therapy was and trying to tell family and friends and so forth. Does anyone else remember this? As far as Bruce goes if this has always bothered him well then good luck to him.
Chaz Bono? Cher’s son? I remember he had a documentary when he was transitioning.
Does anyone question if this is Bruce’s true journey or if perhaps this is more of a coping mechanism? Bruce strikes me as a person who has been very abused, but not necessarily a person who has been living her whole life as the wrong sex/gender. On the Kardashians, he always seemed very comfortable being a man, a father, one of the bros. But I know they fake a lot for the cameras.
There have been stories of Bruce cross dressing from twenty five years ago.A few years ago I was on a gay blog where a guy talked about Bruce.The guy said several delivery guys claim they saw him crossdressing.I remember one guy said he was dressed like Miss Hathaway from the Beverly Hillbillies.So I had heard he was a crossdresser years ago.
Yeah I have heard that as well, and I have heard the same about Kelsey Grammar but sexual reassignment surgery just seems so major.
That was my post, here on CB…it’s in the earlier Bruce story here.
My friend over 20 yrs ago ,who was a delivery guy said he dropped shipments off and saw him in the back area of a Bev Hills boutique.
Kris is probably spitting blood that SHE can’t exploit this situation for her own monetary gain.
She will find a way. Give her some time.
I hope Bruce has others besides his dear, sweet mom giving him the love and support he needs as he goes through this transition. It must be incredibly lonely to go through something like that all by oneself. I wish him peace in his journey.
I must say this was a big surprise to me – I always thought Bruce was the only one of the family who seemed comfortable with himself and happy with who he was – I never saw this coming.
Is it just me or am I the only one that thinks this situation is SO bizarre? I have never watched any of the shows these people are on but he never ever struck me as being even the least bit feminine until recently. His plastic surgery over the years is obvious but I never would have guessed that he wanted to become a woman. Not that it doesn’t happen all of the time. This case just seems like it is coming from left field.
I agree. It seems to be coming out of nowhere. I’m still not sure I believe this story. Not until Bruce says it out of his own mouth. Either way, it’s a tough journey and to do it so late in life is even tougher…and to do it so publicly is the toughest of all.
It’s kinda like a curve ball..weird and unexpected
I’ve never actually seen an episode of any Kardashian shows either and I am not trans* myself, but I am a queer person who has worked hard to educate myself and from what I understand, it’s actually a rather common journey for a lot of trans* women to have acted/presented hyper masculine prior to transition. A recent study found that men who were in the military were twice as likely as men in the general population to later identify as female for example. So it would be hard to say what Bruce may have been feeling internally all of these years without hearing it directly.
I don’t watch Kardashian’s but I have looked at photos of Bruce and heard rumours for the past 20yrs, I didn’t necessarily start believing them until the last five years. Something is obviously going on.
Good luck to him. He seems like a nice person. I wish him the best.
Let’s hear what he has to say on the matter.
His mom is a sweetheart, so sweet.
it took me by surprise too.
I posted this upthread, but I wonder if it might be most respectful to use the gender neutral pronouns (They/Their/Them) until we’ve heard an official statement? It bothers me that many are still referring to them as “he,” but as others noted, “she” feels presumptuous–especially if they identify as nonbinary or genderqueer. Obviously prescribing pronouns to another person is always problematic, but I’m trying to think of how we can most respectfully navigate this in our commentary.
I thought the same. Or avoiding pronouns as much as possible. Usually, I would say ask Bruce, but we can’t yet. That being said, it feels gross to keep using the he, especially if it’s confirmed that B is doing an interview about this. I know the K Klan isn’t popular, but everyone deserves dignity.
At this stage, he has said nothing. He is not publicly living as a female. He has not changed his name from Bruce nor made a statement. He hasn’t asked us (the public) to refer to him now as a she. People Magazine did an obviously authorized story and called Bruce “he” throughout.
Why would anyone call Bruce “she” until he speaks and officially makes that complete transition that he is now living as a female, changes his name, and requests to be referred to as she or her or “insert female name”? These are just leaks to get people used to the idea as he has begun his transition. His kids haven’t referred to Bruce as “she.” The People Mag story says he is making a slow transition to get his family used to it and time to adjust to slow changes and that he will air his documentary when he feels the time is right to publicly come out as a woman. I don’t see anything wrong with saying he about Bruce. He isn’t a “they.”
http://www.people.com/article/bruce-jenner-transitioning-woman
While I get that, I still think avoiding pronoun use as much as possible should be done, or maybe chilling on the coverage until B chooses to speak.
Seriously. I feel like people are being hypersensitive and putting their own restrictions on this. Let’s follow Bruce’s lead here. He has not made any statements, so everyone calm down.
I’m wondering when he buys his own set of butt implants.
Bruce is a Jenner
Kardashians buy butt implants.
Kendall, true. But I’m starting the countdown for Kylie. She seems like she’s turning into a Kim/Khloe in training. Give her another year or two and she will have her butt implants.
I feel for his kids. I know a woman who was once a Dad. His/her children have nothing to do with him/her. Even after the transition she still looked like a man. I hope for him this is really what he wants.
That person you know didn’t transition to make things hard on their family – they did it to be themselves after years of hiding. The kids need a lesson in empathy and should know that their parent is still in there. Society in general needs to be educated about this; transphobia is a HUGE problem
My own mother and I were discussing Bruce’s transition the other day. We are so curious as to why he’s (she’s) waited until the age of 65 to finally become his (her) true self. His (Her) mothers comments are beyond awesome! What a lovely person she must be. I look forward to the Sawyer interview and hearing all about this from him (her). (I’m using both pronouns here because I’m not really sure what is and isn’t respectful at this stage.) It’s nice that the Kardashian girls are supporting him (her). But I’m not surprised that Kris is not. She is the ex-wife after all. And I suppose I just don’t expect her to be all warm and fuzzy in general.
probably waiting for the younger children to grow up
I just said him/his in a comment below, was second guessing myself, but honestly, he hasn’t even confirmed it publicly so let’s not all beat ourselves up for not being perfectly p.c. yet. The support is more important than getting caught up in the correct terminology imo.
Just because he’s transitioning and we should support that doesn’t mean I’m not sick to death of hearing about this idiotic famewhore virus of a family. And sure enough, they’re whoring out this story too. I guess the positive of having more and more now shoved down our throats, because I’m sure this will be milked for attention for years, is that others going through this might get something inspirational out of it. I’m not really sure this will be handled with any class at all but someone might find something worthy in hearing about it, regardless. That would be the first time this family has contributed anything positive, so there’s that.
Well thank God, Kris is not producing this show. That can give people hope it won’t be exploitive. He was smart not to let her get her greedy little hands on it. He has other children from two other marriages who will probably figure prominently into the docu-series, so it won’t be just a Kardashian fiasco.
He has a beautiful daughter named Cassandra, who is 34 . I remember like a year ago she said after his split from Kris he was reaching out to old friends more and spending more time with “old family” and friends. I don’t think she really knew a year ago. She had talked about what a great grandfather he was to her kids. It seems like he’s really getting closer to his older children since he got out of Kris’s clutches. Cassandra was asked back then about his changing look as far as the Adams apple surgery, etc., and she just was vague and said whatever made him happy or something. I think we will see all of his family and maybe even his ex-wife, Christina, on the series in interviews, not just Kris and her circus sideshow.
I still don’t believe it. The Trash Klan, and this loser is one of them; will lie, cheat and steal for money & fame.
HE IS the WORST father on earth.
What makes you say that? Of them all he was never seeking any publicity, he always just did his own thing and wanted a quiet life. He maybe wasn’t the best Dad to his eldest kids but he’s tried to re-connect with them and has always been there for his Kardashian family.
I kind of think he will still be with women as far as romantically. I never get that he was fake about that, his attraction to women. I do think he was crazy about Evil Kris when he married her. Many transgenders who transition to women identify as lesbian.
I love this tweet.
“I hope people realize that Bruce Jenner becoming a woman is the one heroic act that’s come out of that insipid TV reality family.”
True. I always felt badly that the *one* person in that family with actual accomplishments was becoming a henpecked joke known more for being Kim’s stepdad than a decorated Olympic athlete–one of the most famous of his day. Now he is leapfrogging the family in accomplishment again. The flipside is that all that fame has brought a lot of attention during what should have been an intensely personal journey. Bruce can now use the platform but I’m sure it would have been nice to not have speculation across newspapers and magazines for the last year or so. A sitdown with ‘Bruce Jenner, Olympic gold medalist, as he transitions into a woman’ still would have gotten attention from the networks–especially with transgender issues really front and center now–but without the circus leading up to it.
My sister just asked, “Have you heard about Bruce Gender?” By accident.
His Mom is awesome, his kids are behind him, that is all that matters. Hopefully this time will be all about Bruce’s needs for once and that famewh*re he was married to won’t hog the limelight, but I’d be shocked if she didn’t weasel a few cover stories out of it herself.