Transgender at 11: Listening to Jazz Jennings | 20/20 | ABC News

Summary

The script tells the inspiring story of Jazz, an 11-year-old transgender girl who, with the support of her family, openly identifies as female despite being born biologically male. Jazz's journey, from early childhood to advocating for transgender rights, showcases her resilience and the challenges faced by transgender children in society.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Jazz is an 11-year-old transgender girl who was born biologically male but identifies as female.
• 🏡 Jazz's parents, Jeanette and Greg, supported her early transition from male to female, recognizing her gender dysphoria.
• 👧 Jazz is described as vibrant, happy, self-confident, and feminine, enjoying activities like soccer and cheerleading.
• 👗 Jazz's bedroom is filled with girly items, including dresses and dolls, reflecting her true identity.
• 🎨 A drawing by Jazz of a little girl crying because she wants to wear a dress to school but can't, illustrates her early struggle with her identity.
• 🌈 Jazz's family, including her three siblings, are supportive and protective, helping her navigate the challenges of being transgender.
• 💬 Jazz has faced negative reactions and threats from people who do not understand or accept her transgender identity.
• 🏫 Jazz has been allowed to attend school and participate in activities as a girl, including playing on the girls' soccer team, after a legal battle.
• 🏆 Jazz is an advocate for transgender rights, receiving awards and recognition for her bravery and visibility.
• 💔 Jazz is aware of the potential challenges in dating and relationships due to her transgender identity, but remains hopeful and resilient.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script about Jazz?

The main theme of the video script is about Jazz, an 11-year-old transgender girl, and her journey of self-acceptance, family support, and advocacy for transgender rights.

How does Jazz describe herself in terms of gender identity?

Jazz describes herself as a girl, stating that she has a 'girl brain' and a 'boy body,' and she considers herself a girl.

At what age did Jazz's parents allow her to openly identify as a girl?

Jazz's parents allowed her to openly identify as a girl at the age of five.

What is the term used to describe Jazz's condition?

Jazz's condition is referred to as 'gender dysphoria.'

What does Jazz's drawing of a crying little girl represent?

Jazz's drawing of a crying little girl represents her desire to wear a dress to school, which her mother initially wouldn't allow, symbolizing her struggle with gender identity.

How does Jazz feel about her sister referring to her transgender status as a 'disorder'?

Jazz does not like the term 'disorder' and prefers words like 'special' or 'unique' to describe being transgender.

What challenges has Jazz faced from others due to her transgender status?

Jazz has faced negative reactions, including being treated differently and receiving hateful comments, including threats, from people who do not understand or accept her transgender identity.

How did Jazz's family react to her being transgender?

Jazz's family, including her parents and three siblings, are supportive and accepting of her, trying to make her life as normal as possible.

What impact did Jazz's YouTube video have on her?

Sharing her story on YouTube led to Jazz receiving both support and negative comments, with some people making very nasty and rude remarks, which hurt her.

What legal battle did Jazz have to fight to play soccer as a girl?

Jazz had to fight a legal battle for two and a half years to win the right to play on a girls' soccer team, after being initially banned by league officials due to her biological sex.

What is Jazz's perspective on dating and potential rejection by boys?

Jazz is open about being attracted to boys and acknowledges that she might face rejection due to her transgender status, but she believes that anyone who declines her because of it is not right for her.