Dear Caitlyn,
I am proud of what you have done. You have not only gone through a procedure that most Americans cannot fathom going through, but also you have done it in the face of our entire world through the lenses of our media outlets. As a proud supporter of LGBT rights, I can sincerely say, I am beyond proud that our nation has accepted your transformation the way it has. It is heartwarming to know our country is slowly beginning to move in a positive direction when it comes to LGBT rights and acceptance.
However, no award is needed for that. You have simply become who you were always meant to be. You don't need an award to tell you that you are brave, inspiring or a trailblazer. You know these things Caitlyn. There are many transgender people out there who have gone through the same procedure and did not receive an award and they are fabulous. Laverne Cox, who is now well know for her role in Orange Is the New Black on Netflix (OITNB) has not only grabbed her sexuality by the reins, but also has been an advocate for change in our society towards trans individuals. She has given speeches at many college campuses, been interviewed on the vicissitudes of being transgender, and been a source of wisdom for all of those who are going through the same rollercoaster in their lives.
Earlier this year America lost a young woman who persevered even when the odds were against her and made it difficult to do what she loved.
Lauren Hill, on April 10, 2015, died at the age of 19 years old. She had a love for basketball that was indescribable. After being diagnosed with a form of brain cancer, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), which typically affects children ages 4-9 she knew she wanted to be a voice to find a cure. Regardless of her condition, Lauren still practiced and competed in the sport she loved. Her physician, Dr. Mariko DeWire, said, "loud noises affected her balance, and bright lights bothered her. She wore sunglasses and headphones while on the bench, but she never let that stop her from doing what she loved."
Lauren's drive and love for basketball echoed when she said this about finding a cure for cancer, "And even though I'm probably not going to be around to see it, it's going to help a lot of people. That's why we need to keep staying with this and not end it with this game, and keep supporting research." Lauren's last game raised $40,000 for The Cure Starts Now Foundation. If any award is going to be given out for anything about courage, it should be towards individuals like Lauren. She didn't have to keep doing what she loved; She could have given up and let her disease takeover, but she fought.
Transforming from a man to woman, or woman to man is an important step in anyone's life. It does take courage and strength to be able to transform in the public eye, but it also takes courage and strength to continue living your life in the face of death. Courage comes in various forms; Caitlyn, you are an inspiration to current and future transgender members everywhere. Know that what you have achieved is beautiful in every way and that no award will ever amount to the acceptance you feel to finally be who you have always meant to be.
Sincerely,
Me
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