Transgender teen Jazz Jennings has always had a strong sense of self and knew—from an early age—that she was a girl trapped in the body of a boy. It has been nine years since her transition and 14-year-old Jennings—along with her family—are set to star in their own TLC docuseries entitled I Am Jazz. Jennings talked to Windy City Times about being a trans advocate, bullies and having camera's follow her around.
Windy City Times: You were born a boy, but as soon as you could talk you told your family that you were a girl.
Jazz Jennings: I prefer to say that I was assigned male at birth, because I've always been a girl. As soon as I could express myself, I acted like a stereotypical girl. I'd crawl toward girl toys, and when I began to speak I insisted I was a girl. I never felt like anything other than a girl. I felt so strongly about being a girl because I am a girl, trapped in a boy's body.
WCT: Was it a scary process when you began your transition at the age of 5?
JJ: Not really. By the time I was 5, I was beyond ready to begin my social transition. I was ecstatic.
WCT: Did it take some time for your parents and siblings to adjust to you declaring that you were a girl?
JJ: My family has always been really supportive. When I was three, a doctor told them that I had gender-identity disorder, which is now called gender dysphoria. My family was told to follow my lead and support me—not to encourage, but support. My sister had the hardest time, because she was the only girl and princess of the family. When it was time to transition she wasn't quite ready to share the spotlight with me, but my parents explained to her how serious it was and that I needed the family to stick by me because I was going to have a rough road ahead.
WCT: What added pressures do you face being a transgender girl going to high school this fall?
JJ: Being transgender isn't easy. There will always be those kids who make fun of me and don't understand that I'm just like all the other girls. I have to worry about being bullied. Eighty-seven percent of gender-non-conforming youth are verbally harassed, and more than 50 percent are physically harassed. Those are scary statistics. And then there's the whole dating thing. Most straight guys don't want to date a trans girl, and a lot of them won't even acknowledge my presence.
WCT: How did you come to work with TLC on the show I Am Jazz?
JJ: The production company This is Just a Test approached us about doing a docuseries. They made a sizzle reel of our family and pitched the idea to TLC. We were a little nervous about the idea of having a show that revolves around our family, but it's something we always thought would be a good idea. It's not sensationalized or over-the-top. It's just our family being us.
WCT: What message do you want to send to viewers?
JJ: I hope by inviting the audience into my home I can show everyone that I'm just like any other teenager except for the fact that I just happen to be transgender. I want to educate people, open up hearts and minds, and help those who may be struggling.
WCT: What was it like having cameras follow you around?
JJ: At first it was weird having cameras around, but the crew is amazing and made me feel comfortable in no time.
WCT: You have shared your story via the book you co-authored in 2014 entitled I Am Jazz. You also started the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation which is a non-profit devoted to supporting transgender youth and their families. Was it always your plan to become an advocate for the transgender community?
JJ: When I first appeared on 20/20 with Barbara Walters at the age of 6, I had no idea I was going to become an advocate. We started the foundation, but I didn't know that I would continue sharing my story in the capacity that I am today. I really enjoy the work I do. The best feeling comes from helping others. When a youth tells me that I've changed or even saved their lives, it's very rewarding.
WCT: Earlier this year you joined the Clean & Clear ad campaign "See the Real Me." What would you like to say to people who may be afraid to come out as transgender?
JJ: Just because you are different doesn't make you a bad person. In fact, I think it's the opposite; it makes us unique and special, which is pretty cool. Love yourself and show the world how great you are.
I Am Jazz premieres Wed., July 15, on TLC. For more info, visit www.tlc.com .
