The first billionaire, a Republican, who came out as a trans woman in 2013
Colonial Jennifer Natalya Pritzker had the following press release on August 16, 2013:
"As of August 16, 2013, J. N. Pritzker will undergo an official legal name change, will now be known as Jennifer Natalya Pritzker. This change will reflect the beliefs of her true identity that she has held privately and will now share publicly. Pritzker now identifies herself as a woman for all business and personal undertakings.:
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Evanston-Billionaire-James-Pritzker-Changes-Name-to-Jennifer-Pritzker-221011621.html#
I actually knew Jennifer Pritzker. I worked for a very small company that she owned with a partner back in the mid 80s. It was originally owned by my aunt and uncle and they sold it to Sam Manto and, at the time, Jimmy Pritzker. Unlike a huge corporation, there were only 6 of us in the office. So, though the Pritzkers were not often in, I did actually interact with them.
I can't imagine how difficult this journey was for her. At that time, it was a big secret that, then Jimmy, was a cross dresser. This very public figure, with an incredibly conservative, bigoted family, must have suffered greatly with the real secret.
I am not a fan of the Pritzker family. While they are truly philanthropic, they also have taken advantage of the public on more than one occasion. The elder Pritzker's and my aunt and uncle (different aunt and uncle) ran in the same circles. Without going into detail, I know that they were shamelessly bigoted.
But in 2013, Jennifer Pritzker found the courage to come out publicly. A life long member of the military, she has been working hard to change law and perception when it comes to transgender people in the military.
The Foundation’s scholarship, combined with Pritzker’s influence, has increased the visibility of the issue, a crucial step toward the repeal of the ban. While the military policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed three years ago, allowing lesbian, gay and bisexual members to serve openly, transgender people are still excluded — on medical grounds. A military regulation prohibits those with “psychosexual disorders” which, according to this policy, include cross-dressing and a history of gender transition, from serving in the armed forces. This is why funding for scholarship on the issue is particularly crucial, according to transgender rights activist and former U.S. Army officer Allyson Robinson. “In a fight like this one, that is about educating our senior military leaders to convince them to make policy changes, having solid and objective research is critical,” Robinson said, adding that Pritzker’s gift had been a “godsend” for the estimated 15,500 transgender individuals who serve in the military “in silence” — because the ban has kept them from coming out.
http://forward.com/culture/208832/how-colonel-jennifer-pritzker-pushes-for-transgend/
While people here are making fun of, making horrible accusations against and complaining about Bruce Jenner, it makes zero difference that he is a Republican. In fact, it may actually be beneficial to the transgender community.
I don't think that Bruce Jenner will be the philanthropist that Jennifer Pritzker is. Could not be the philanthropist that she is. But between the two of them, Bruce with his public transition and the knowledge brought forth because of it, and the philanthropic work of Jennifer Pritzker, there may actually be a shift in the Republican perception of, and laws/bills introduced regarding transgender people.
Edits due to issue with block quote
= new reply since forum marked as read
And thank you for your post.
Just an FYI, my auto correct does this to your name NICE SKP
