Understanding transgender

It's not everyday that one outs oneself on national television.

That's what Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner did last Friday on ABC News with Diane Sawyer.

Jenner recounted how even as a youngster, he felt he was female in a male body, how he tried to deal with that reality, and how at age 65, he has decided to embrace it.

"Yes, for all intents and purposes, I am a woman," he said.

Because feelings of gender identity are deeply personal, people don't usually share them in public. It's very hard for individuals to reveal to family and friends that they're gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or just questioning (the LGBTQ community). It's usually a shock for families to receive this news, and it's usually delivered in private communication, and we, the public, the outsiders, don't hear the stories.

Jenner, the star athlete and Hollywood celebrity, has put up with rumors and speculation about his gender identity for some time. His public announcement provides education and knowledge that should create understanding and acceptance that can combat the centuries of misunderstanding and mistreatment of transgender people (and, I hope, by extension, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning folk).

The percentage of transgender people in society is estimated to be 1-3 percent. So, for example, if there are 400 students enrolled in Wahkiakum School District schools, four to six could well be transgender.

Because of the centuries of misunderstanding and mistreatment of transgender people, the rate of suicide among transgender youth is much higher than among straight youth.

The Washington Youth Suicide Prevention Program reports that more than 50 percent of transgender youth will have had at least one suicide attempt by their 20th birthday.

It follows that understanding and acceptance are key to the survival of transgender youth and adults. It can be a life or death issue. It's easy for off-hand comments to carry grave impact with young people who are wondering what's going on with their bodies and souls.

For transgender people trying to navigate society, there are lots of challenges. These include acceptance by friends and family; acceptance in school or the workplace; going through the processes for obtaining name change, new driver's license, passport and other documents; opening a bank account, and finding quality medical care.

It's a lot to deal with and very hard for straight people to understand.

So, kudos to ABC for broadcasting the program, and thanks, Bruce Jenner, for sharing your story.

You've quite probably saved some lives.