Jonathan Van Ness opens up emotionally about the struggles of fighting for trans rights, especially for trans youth.
In a recent episode of Dax Shepard’s podcast, Armchair Expert, Jonathan Van Ness became visibly emotional as they discussed the fight for transgender rights, particularly for trans youth. The conversation took a heartfelt turn when Van Ness expressed their exhaustion from the ongoing battle to secure rights and acceptance for transgender children, who, according to Van Ness, “just wanted to be included.”
The episode started off with lighthearted banter between the two, but the mood shifted as they discussed media coverage and the impact of anti-trans narratives, especially in publications like The New York Times. Shepard and Van Ness engaged in a heated exchange about the portrayal of transgender issues in the media, with Van Ness emphasizing how such narratives harm the transgender community.
The discussion then moved to the topic of transgender athletes, a controversial issue in the public sphere. Shepard asked whether the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports could be seen as fair to cisgender women. Van Ness, a non-binary activist, passionately rebutted the idea, stating that it is disappointing when people claim to advocate for women’s rights while simultaneously excluding transgender children from participating in sports.
“I’m not calling you a transphobe,” Van Ness said to Shepard, “but you can hold views that contribute to transphobia and still not identify as one.” The conversation, which lasted over 20 minutes, delved into the complexities of trans inclusion in various aspects of life, with Van Ness underscoring the need for empathy and understanding.
Tears began to flow as Van Ness shared their personal struggles, revealing how emotionally and mentally draining it is to constantly advocate for a marginalized group. “I could just cry,” Van Ness said, expressing their deep frustration with the ongoing challenges facing trans kids. The emotional outburst highlighted the toll that these social battles take on activists.
Throughout the conversation, Shepard praised Van Ness for their activism, acknowledging the difficult position they’re in as a public figure advocating for trans rights. The episode served as a powerful reminder of the personal and societal challenges faced by the transgender community and the emotional weight carried by those fighting for change.