Providence’s transgender community reacts to Bruce Jenner’s revelation

April 24, 2015 11:38 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE – Millions of people watched Bruce Jenner’s interview with Diane Sawyer Friday night, where said he identifies as a woman.

Among those millions: several members of greater Providence’s transgender community. They thought the interview was well-done, serving as a teaching moment instead of just a ratings stunt.

They appreciated that the interview brought forth continued dialogue about the transgender community, and discussed how many transgender people are physically and emotionally victimized.

Dominique Pistone of Warwick related to Jenner’s journey. “It resonated with me and my own feelings and what I have to deal with,” she explained.

The group added that it can often be hard for loved ones to wrap their heads around an identity they see as “new,” even though that person sees that identity as “true.”

Ethan Huckel of Providence wanted to stress that even though we are only finding we are only finding out who Jenner truly is now, his realization did not happen overnight. Every transgender person’s journey and story is unique, and the entire community can’t be put on Jenner’s shoulders.

“I think it’s really good that they’re educating people with this information because there are a lot of questions for typical people that have never encountered a trans person to ask,” explained Jocelyn Medeiros of Cranston.