“TransJenner” : Exploring the Role of Caitlyn Jenner in I Am Cait; An Unsolicited Spokesperson for the Trans Community?

Description

This thesis looks at the TV-show I Am Cait to explore Caitlyn Jenner’s transition and to discuss some important implications raised by particular scenes in the show. The thesis argues that the TV-show is specifically made for a cis audience and discusses the plausible beneficial and detrimental functions of this choice. Another important discussion is Caitlyn Jenner’s political viewpoints – if she truly wants to be the transgender community’s spokesperson, why is she so eager to defend the Republicans? I tie this discussion into a larger argument on privilege (cis privilege and white privilege) and on the narrow and limiting tropes of this and other trans narratives. Should we praise I Am Cait for making the Trans cause more visible, or are the ideas and privileged journeys depicted in the show – often accompanied by many glasses of wine and cheese plates – too unachievable and too shallow to do the Trans cause any good?