[Commentary] [USA] Transgender community needs more positive stories like Bruce Jenner's, specialist says
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Stephanie Stevens
Apr 26, 2015, 12:12:24 PM4/26/15
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New York Daily News, NY, USA
Transgender community needs more positive stories like Bruce Jenner's, specialist says
BY E. Asher Eno
Special to the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Sunday, April 26, 2015, 2:45 AM
In a very personal interview with Diane Sawyer, Bruce Jenner courageously claimed, “For all intents and purposes, I am a woman.”
As a transgender individual and a mental health therapist who specializes in working with the transgender community, I can confidently say that Jenner has followed a path of gender identity exploration that mirrors that of others who have struggled with their own gender identities.
The interview highlighted common themes that transgender individuals often face: identity/gender confusion, discrimination, fear of rejection from loved ones, loneliness/isolation, suicide, religious/spiritual conflict, and the struggle to accept the assigned gender expression.
For Jenner, and for many transgender individuals, gender transition and self-acceptance are lifelong tasks.
It is the unfortunate truth that many transgender individuals turn to suicide, self-harm, or substance abuse in order to cope with the psychological difficulties that can arise due to their medical condition.
Jenner is very fortunate to have a support network, yet this is sadly not the case for many other transgender individuals who often experience discrimination and rejection on a daily basis.
Seeking professional help from a qualified mental health therapist can provide much relief for those struggling with the stresses that arise from “being born in the wrong body.”
[Photo: E. Asher Eno is an individual, couple and family therapist at Infinite Possibilities Counseling in Denver, Co.]
It is my personal and professional opinion that we need to hear more stories like Jenner’s.
Education is the only thing that stands a chance in standing up to the fear that is so often the root of societal discrimination and shame.
Like Jenner, I also hope that one day, all transgender individuals can receive the acceptance they so deserve.
I think Jenner hit it right on the head when he said, “I’m still here, and that’s what’s important,” because due to the lack of acceptance and societal rejection, many transgender individuals no longer are.
E. Asher Eno is an individual, couple and family therapist at Infinite Possibilities Counseling in Denver, Co.
© Copyright 2015 NYDailyNews.com. All rights reserved.
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/bruce-jenner-story-important-trans-community-expert-article-1.2199369
Transgender community needs more positive stories like Bruce Jenner's, specialist says
BY E. Asher Eno
Special to the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Sunday, April 26, 2015, 2:45 AM
In a very personal interview with Diane Sawyer, Bruce Jenner courageously claimed, “For all intents and purposes, I am a woman.”
As a transgender individual and a mental health therapist who specializes in working with the transgender community, I can confidently say that Jenner has followed a path of gender identity exploration that mirrors that of others who have struggled with their own gender identities.
The interview highlighted common themes that transgender individuals often face: identity/gender confusion, discrimination, fear of rejection from loved ones, loneliness/isolation, suicide, religious/spiritual conflict, and the struggle to accept the assigned gender expression.
For Jenner, and for many transgender individuals, gender transition and self-acceptance are lifelong tasks.
It is the unfortunate truth that many transgender individuals turn to suicide, self-harm, or substance abuse in order to cope with the psychological difficulties that can arise due to their medical condition.
Jenner is very fortunate to have a support network, yet this is sadly not the case for many other transgender individuals who often experience discrimination and rejection on a daily basis.
Seeking professional help from a qualified mental health therapist can provide much relief for those struggling with the stresses that arise from “being born in the wrong body.”
[Photo: E. Asher Eno is an individual, couple and family therapist at Infinite Possibilities Counseling in Denver, Co.]
It is my personal and professional opinion that we need to hear more stories like Jenner’s.
Education is the only thing that stands a chance in standing up to the fear that is so often the root of societal discrimination and shame.
Like Jenner, I also hope that one day, all transgender individuals can receive the acceptance they so deserve.
I think Jenner hit it right on the head when he said, “I’m still here, and that’s what’s important,” because due to the lack of acceptance and societal rejection, many transgender individuals no longer are.
E. Asher Eno is an individual, couple and family therapist at Infinite Possibilities Counseling in Denver, Co.
© Copyright 2015 NYDailyNews.com. All rights reserved.
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/bruce-jenner-story-important-trans-community-expert-article-1.2199369
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