Back in July, the world watched as Caitlyn Jenner received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2015 ESPYs. The powerful moment was celebrated with a poignant speech from Jenner, who made a point to mention that this isn't just about her — she takes her position in the spotlight seriously and plans to use that privilege to shine a light on the transgender community. In that same speech, she stood up for trans youth across America and the need to make the world a safer, more accepting place for future generations. Sticking to that promise, Caitlyn Jenner recently visited the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, along with the help of a famous new friend, Chaz Bono.
This visit is part of Sunday night's episode of I Am Cait, but the E! network shared a sneak peek online. In the clip, it's heartwarming to see Jenner and Bono meet for the first time, since Jenner mentions watching Bono's very public transition and rooting for him along the way. But it's way more than just two celebrities meeting; this moment is important for another reason. It shows that Jenner truly is committed to being an advocate for the transgender community, especially when it comes to trans youth and their families.
By showing up to the center, Jenner is essentially letting these kids know they're not alone and that she supports their journeys — whatever those may be. According to the Center for Transyouth's website, the organization "promotes healthy futures for transyouth by providing services, research, training and capacity building that is developmentally informed, affirmative, compassionate and holistic for gender non-conforming children and transyouth," which is exactly in line with Jenner's own advocacy work.
As Jenner said in her ESPYs speech,
All across the world at this very moment there are young people coming to terms with being transgender. They are learning that they're different, and they're trying to figure out how to handle that, on top of every other problem that a teenager has. They are getting bullied, they are getting beaten up. They're getting murdered and they are committing suicide.
She followed up that heartbreaking truth with an inspiring way to move forward, saying:
With attention comes responsibility... I know I'm clear with my responsibility going forward: To tell my story the right way, for me. To keep learning. To do whatever I can to reshape the landscape of how trans issues are viewed, how trans people are treated. And then, more broadly, to promote a very simple idea. Accepting people for who they are.
One of the best parts of watching I Am Cait is seeing all the humanitarian work Jenner is doing to turn those words into action. Sure, some are quick to claim that it's just a publicity stunt or another way to get attention for the show, but I beg to differ. Jenner's activism seems more than genuine, since she repeatedly uses her position of privilege to help others. Her recent visit to the children's hospital's trans youth center proves that point.
As Jenner said in the premiere of the show, "We're going to make a difference in this world, that's my mission." She knows there are plenty of people who don't have a voice, and while she can't speak for them, she can share her journey in the hopes of paving that path for others. Jenner's goal of opening people's eyes and hopefully making society more accepting of other's differences is beyond admirable.
Including such powerful moments on I Am Cait (like the visit to the Transyouth Center) isn't merely to evoke praise or accolades for Jenner. Instead, it's about showing that small actions matter and supporting others is invaluable. She's not sitting around, waiting for other people to change the world's perception — she's taking action and trying to do that herself. For these reasons, it's inspiring to see Caitlyn Jenner's journey and the selfless steps she's taking along the way. Watch her moving visit to the Center with Chaz Bono, below:
