10 Things You Need To Know About Trans People

Transgender issues are in the mainstream media spotlight right now thanks (most recently) to Caitlyn Jenner, and while some might shout "privilege!" I really don't see anything bad at all about educating masses of people about transgender people, empathy and acceptance. It means that other transgender people activists have a wonderful moment to seize, and inspirational, 14-year-old transgender girl Jazz Jennings is doing just that. She and Cosmopolitan teamed up for her latest video, 10 Things You Need To Know About Transgender People.

Of course transgender people are dynamic, and not everyone has the luck, money, or PR machine that Caitlyn has, but the point is that she has made transgender issues more visible than ever in the popular consciousness, giving people who might not otherwise understand or be exposed to transgender people, a chance to receive knowledge and in the end, tolerance. It's amazing to see Cosmopolitan pairing up with the vocal activist, teenager Jazz Jennings, who is also about to get her own TLC docuseries. What this points to is that what we've traditionally deemed "alternative" lifestyles are becoming less so, and more than just prompting curiosity, they're slowly moving towards being accepted as societal norms. I do believe there's still a long way to go, but with transgender people like Jazz, who has been named Clean & Clear's first trans spokesperson, leading the charge, I have great faith that it wont be long before our culture accepts transgender people the same way we accept cis people.

Here are ten important things to know about transgender people according to Jazz:

1. You can't tell if someone is transgender just by looking at them

2. You shouldn't make assumptions about a person's sexual orientation

3. If you're not sure what pronoun to use, ask

4. You should never out a transgender person

5. Backhanded compliments are hurtful

6. Transitioning is a process—be patient

7. There is no "right way" to transition

8. A person's genitals are none of your business

9. Support gender neutral restrooms

10. It's your job to listen

Watch the full video below:

Images: YouTube(11)