If you
haven't heard of Jazz Jennings yet, you will soon. The 14-year-old has already
been described as a pioneer, a trailblazer, a role model and a remarkable young
woman. It all started when Jazz did something truly courageous at the age of 5:
She came out to the world as transgender.
As one of the
youngest transgender people in the spotlight, Jazz has inspired so many by
living her truth and advocating for LGBTQ rights. Her story was documented on
OWN in the 2011 documentary "I Am Jazz: A Family in Transition," and
Time Magazine later named her one of the 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014.
Now, Jazz is starring in a new reality show called "I Am
Jazz," which premiered on TLC last week.
Jazz has
welcomed the public interest and has been incredibly candid about her personal
journey, but in the midst of the acclaim, she's like any girl navigating the
complicated teen years. She tells Oprah in the above video from "Oprah:
Where Are They Now?" that the attention she receives for her
bravery and advocacy is just something that comes with the territory. But it's
not without its pressures.
"It
[can] be very overwhelming sometimes when so many people look up to me as an
inspiration and a role model," Jazz admits. "I feel like I have to
live up to those expectations."
Despite her
celebrity, Jazz adds that she's not immune to the missteps teens make as they
feel their way in the world. "I'm a normal person, and I'm going to make
mistakes. I think people have to accept that," she says.
In the great
scheme of things, however, Jazz has learned that her personal story resonates
on a much larger level.
"I've
discovered that it's not about me, but more of my message,"
she tells Oprah. "So, I don't care about the fame. I don't care how people
treat me. I care about my message living on through other people."
Jazz's full
interview with Oprah airs on "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" this fall
on OWN. "I Am Jazz" airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.
Thanks to your blog, now I know of her. She's great on YT!
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