TLC Star Jazz Jennings Offers Reaction to Obama Administration’s Support of Transgender Youth

The past few months, and seemingly out of nowhere, states like North Carolina in particular have stirred up outrage over their laws regarding transgender bathroom use. This week, the Obama Administration weighed in on transgender bathroom usage in public schools, and colleges and universities that accept federal funds. The Departments of Justice and Education sent a joint letter to schools, directing them to provide access to suitable facilities, like bathrooms and locker rooms, that match their chosen gender identity.

Jazz Jennings, the high-profile transgender youth advocate who appears in TLC’s reality series I Am Jazz, offered a personal response yesterday via her Instagram account (@jazzjennings_) to the Obama Administration’s directive. See below to watch her video message, but among her writings on the page, she says, “I’m so happy the Obama Administration cares about the rights of transgender youth like myself!💗 Progress is being made👌🏽”

Jennings, who is 15, began her advocacy at age 6 and has been honored by the HRC, Children’s Hospital LA. She was recently honored with the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Reality Series for I Am Jazz.

TLC has recently ordered a second season of I Am Jazz. Eight episodes begin June 8 on TLC, again following the teen as she balances school, sports, family and more. Returning with Jazz are her parents Greg and Jeanette, who have always supported Jazz. Her siblings, sister Ari, and twin brothers Griffen and Sander, who stand by her side and support Jazz as she continues through her teenage years. 

Jennings will also have a memoir published on June 7, called Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen.

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Video courtesy of Instagram/@jazzjennings_