In recent years, the stories of transgender people have become more prevalent in the media. Transgender characters and actors brought trans activism into the spotlight—most notably Laverne Cox with the Netflix hit Orange is the New Black. Tragedy also intensified the discussion around transgender lives with the deaths of trans teens Leelah Alcorn and Blake Brockington. Both were highly publicized and went viral in hours, sparking controversial discussions on the importance of recognizing the legitimacy of trans identities. Representation and recognition of transgender people is urgently needed; according to a 2014 study by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a startling 46 percent of transgender men and 42 percent of transgender women attempt suicide in the United States.
That’s where Jazz comes in. At only fourteen, trans girl Jazz Jennings has not only been chosen as the new representative of Clean and Clear, but will be the star of a new TLC reality show titled All That Jazz that will follow her through high school and the challenges of growing up transgender. Jazz, who began documenting her life on YouTube at only seven years old, represents the type of life all parents should strive to provide for their children no matter their gender identity—one of love, acceptance, and support. That is exactly the message that Jazz and her parents want to advocate, despite initial concerns with putting their daughter in the spotlight.
“Trans kids are like other kids,” said Jeannette Jennings, Jazz’s mother. “But a lot of times Jazz sits at lunch in school and people move away from her. She’s still a human being. I’m hoping kids will embrace that. Let’s get to them before they hear the negativity, and it won’t be a big deal.”
She also stresses the importance of early support for transgender kids from their families.
“Part of the pushback we get is parents saying these children are too young to make this decision. I’m here to say to all parents of children 2 to 4 years old, this is not an act of rebellion…this is children looking in the mirror and telling parents who they see looking back.”
Jazz says she knew she was different from the age of 2 years old. Her parents were concerned that Jazz consistently asked to wear girls’ clothes, buy girly toys, and generally do everything young girls wanted to do. When she became increasingly depressed and unhappy living as a boy, her parents consulted their family doctor who finally told them that Jazz might have gender dysphoria, a recent term for people who feel they’re a different gender from the sex they are assigned.
From then on, her parents were dedicated to helping Jazz live as she had always felt—like a girl. Her first TV appearance was at six years old, making her the youngest transgender person to ever be on TV. At seven, she spoke out about what it was like “having a boy body but a girl brain” in a video which is now uploaded to Jazz’s YouTube account along with many others she continued to make so that family members and potential friends could have her decision explained to them.
After twelve years of living as a girl, Jazz has become an outspoken activist for not only transgender kids, she says, but all kids who feel left out or different from their peers. At fourteen, she is already accomplished—she has co-authored a book for young transkids, I Am Jazz, has starred in an Oprah Winfrey documentary, has been interviewed by Barbara Walters and Katie Couric, and is now gearing up for her new show and Clean and Clear’s #SeeTheRealMe campaign.
Jazz herself is grateful to her family for supporting her and hopes that support becomes easier for parents and kids alike with the work she is doing. Her advice for parents or friends who want to support transgender people in their lives is simple.
“I like the quote by Dr. Seuss: ‘Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind,’” she shared. “Be that person who doesn’t mind, and always be there for them. Smother them with unconditional love and don’t ever judge them for being true to themselves.”
Ultimately, Jazz wants to put an end to the discrimination and violence directed at so many transgender youths and adults alike. Her work is vital to bringing more visibility to the transgender community, and even in questioning what society says determines your gender.
“I just want them to know that it’s OK to step outside of your shadows and just be who you are,” she says to all LGBT kids going through similar struggles. “Just be true to yourself and express yourself because, after all, we are just kids, and all kids deserve to be happy.”