Jazz Jennings Reflects Back On The Last Decade By Sharing Photos Of Her Gender Confirmation Scars
In 2015 TLC took the seemingly bold step of launching a new program called I Am Jazz. The show features the journey of teenaged Jazz Jennings. Jazz was assigned male at birth but with the support of her family, Jazz has been living as her authentic female self since kindergarten. Prior to her TLC show, Jazz's face and story was known to the world when she was featured in a 20/20 special about LGBTQ youth in 2007 as the youngest person ever to identify as transgender.
Jazz's parents, Greg and Jeanette Jennings, have not only been supportive but have publicly acknowledged that as soon as little Jazz could talk, she was asserting she was not a boy. Last year, the recent season of her show aired and it was a big year. Big because this season chronicled the journey of Jazz's final transition: gender confirmation surgery.
As the new decade launches, Jazz is doing what many people around the world have been doing: reflecting on the last decade.
Jazz JenningsThe difference for Jazz is that she decided to share her reflections on her transition as well, including her personal thoughts and reflections... and the physical scars that come with major surgery. But she's not complaining, she's highlighting what a monumental part of who she is today is due to everything she has to share!
Jazz JenningsJazz is well known for being a vocal advocate for transgender youth as well as the whole LGBTQIA community.
Jazz JenningsJazz's family says that from the moment she could speak, Jazz communicated that she did not feel like her assigned sex at birth, male.
Astonishingly, by the tender age of 5, she had already become one of the youngest people ever to identify as transgender.
Not only does Jazz stand out for being one of the youngest people ever to confirm her identity, but she has spoken out from a very young age as well. She has always wanted to be a beacon of light and advocate for other transgender youth. The sense of loneliness that can come with being transgender is not something anyone should have to feel and Jazz was determined to help illuminate the issues and support those in need.
Jazz JenningsSo, Jazz has been on many TV shows as well as her own and has written a book called I Am Jazz. Her book explains what it's like to be transgender but from a child's perspective! It's also written in a way that other children can understand, so it's a great tool for helping your cisgender children understand their transgender friends.
Jazz JenningsIt's now been around a year and a half since Jazz had her gender confirmation surgery.
Jazz JenningsJazz kicked off her reflection of the last ten years:
“#2018 was a rough year in my life,” she shared. “I experienced a major complication with my gender confirmation surgery and wound up back in the OR one week after the initial procedure.”
It was a tough journey, but experiences like that one only make us stronger in the end Though it can be hard at times, a positive mindset and the support of those around you can help you conquer any challenge. Thank you to all my fans who have supported me throughout the years!
Jazz JenningsJazz shared a photo of her in a bathing suit where her surgical scars were visible, but she was proud to show them off.
What's next for Jazz? She's been accepted into Harvard. She posted:
I am so stoked for this next chapter of my life!Feeling so blessed and grateful right now. Thank you so much to my incredible family for your unconditional love and support; none of this would be possible without all of you. I can't wait for what's to come!
Jazz JenningsNot only that, but Jazz is taking some much needed and well-earned "time off," she said:
I wanted to share some news. After careful consideration, I have decided to take a break before starting at Harvard.
Jazz Jennings
She continued:
It wasn’t an easy decision but it is the right one for me. These past few years have been so full and busy that I realized I could use some time to refocus and recenter to be the strongest version of myself.
Jazz Jennings
And her family is totally supportive, which shouldn't come as a surprise given their reputation for being supportive from day one!
I am so grateful to have the support of my parents and Harvard in making this decision and look forward to focusing on some self-care and getting prepared to start this exciting next chapter in my life.
Jazz Jennings
In an interview with Thrive Global, Jazz said:
I feel like college is going to be a great place for me to step out of my shell, be independent, and build new routines and habits and ways of living. But it’s also a place where I can feel that anxiety and depression to an even greater degree than I do now, because there’s so much going on all the time.She continued:
You want to be involved in everything, but school’s stressful in and of itself,” she continued. “I’ll be studying for tests and exams and trying to be the best I can be. In high school, I always got straight A’s, because I put that pressure on myself. But going into college, I want to focus on taking care of myself, and building good habits — that’s really my focus.
Jazz Jennings
When Jazz gets to Harvard, her advocacy won't stop there. She plans to continue her outreach and advocacy to and for trans* youth. Naturally, she revealed it's also a topic of her studies:
I’m planning on majoring in Gender, Philosophy, and Religion. Right now I’m focusing on sharing my story as a trans queer person, and really just breaking down the gender binary,.I know that’s a big thing to talk about, but gender, while it does exist, it also doesn’t exist at the same time.
Jazz Jennings
Yes, we have physical bodies. Yes, we have genitalia, and we can look at ourselves and say, ‘Oh, there’s a man and there’s a woman.’ But you can’t define someone by their physical anatomy.
What do you think of Jazz's journey? Have you seen her show on TLC? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section now!
