> Yea, lots of good exposure.
This past year we've seen far more mainstream exposure of the TG community than we've ever had! "I Am Cait" is in heavy rotation on E-bang and "I Am Jazz" is burning up TLC and Youtube. Not to mention the sleeper "TransParent", which has been picked up for a third season, IIRC.
It's seems like it's very seldom that you can listen to a full daytime of NPR without hearing something that has a transgender theme. Most (not all) of the NPR coverage seems to be slanted toward the younger generation.
The Jenner transition is a good example of someone coming out and transitioning later in life, which has been, historically, far more common.
I'm aware of (at least) three DLV attendees who have appeared on mainstream broadcast media in TG-related reports and productions.
> Caitlin is getting criticism for being rich and famous and not being typical of the
> usual trans folk
I've heard that too. I think some of it may be valid, but not all of what's going around.
I think the gender identity issues are real and the coming-out and transition are sincere and not a publicity stunt.
Jenner did marry into a very high-profile "famous for being famous" family, and the family business is, indeed, that of media exposure. It's natural that they would include the transition as a story arc in their series collection.
One thing I do agree with is that the Jenner life and transition are very atypical of those of the rank and file TG. Jenner is extremely well off and is able to afford only the best of the best WRT physicians, counselors, make-up staff, etc. The family appears to be very supportive as well. (Envious???)
A few years ago a local (to me) counselor impressed upon me the fact that those we see at DLV are only the tip of the iceberg of the TG community. Those we see at DLV are those on the far right of the descending slope of the bell curve. (Jenner would therefore be far to the right of all of us, pun intended.)
But seriously, the majority of TGs are not as fortunate as we are or Jenner is. Many come from hostile families, have a lot of difficulty in school and in the employment search, and often live well below the poverty line. Many turn to "street work" in order to eat.
Overall, however, all of this media exposure is good for us! You'll notice that it's appearing more and more on respectable outlets and less on Jerry Springer type of shows. We're also seeing far less criticism from the Religious Reich and other less-than-supportive groups and individuals as I would expect.