Shiloh Jolie-Pitt

[Guest Larson]

I know there have been two threads about this in the past, but I wanted to go off in a few different directions and those threads are kind of old... so I'm starting this one.

First, I want to say that I am totally opposed to the constant stalker-like scrutiny with which celebrities are followed and that the posting of paparazzi photos of the children of celebrities is just wrong.

However... I can't help wanting to follow everything to do with Shiloh Jolie-Pitt. I'm a disgusting hypocrite, I know, but this case is just too amazing and unique. I wish the media wasn't shoved into the faces of Brad and Angelina's children, but as they are, I can't help but take a peek.

She (and I'm going to use female pronouns and her given name for now because that's how her parents have referred to her most of the time even though I've read a few articles where they say that they sometimes use "John" or "Peter" as well as male pronouns at home... but none of that is confirmed, nor is any FTM status definite) is eerily identical to me as a child so seeing her being allowed to have a boy's hair cut and dress how I always wanted to at that age is very emotional for me. I made some of the same "fashion choices" and was even obsessed with Peter Pan (still am).

Of course no one (even Shiloh) can say what her current behavior and beliefs will lead to. Whether she is transgender or anything else will remain to be seen. However, if she is transgender, do you guys think this will be awesome for the community?

On the old threads, a few people brought up the example of Chaz Bono and how that hasn't been anything except possibly negative publicity for our community; however, I think this is a hugely different case. First, the entire world has been practically following the day to day growth of this child since her birth. Yes, the cameras were on Chaz for just as long, but his gender identity was not on display as a small child and he identified as a lesbian for most of his adolescent and younger adult life. Also, from what I know (and I don't know much), Sonny and Cher were hardly accepting of Chaz as a lesbian, let alone Cher's opinion of his transition. Brad and Angelina are obviously completely open to any path Shiloh decides to take and, even though a large majority of people unfortunately view Brad and Angelina as a bit crazy, that openness might change the public's opinion of who Shiloh grows up to be. MOST (definitely not all) articles praise the way Brad and Angelina are raising Shiloh. I think the positive way the situation is being framed as well as the public being able to see a possibly transgendered child's development from birth will, at the very least, bring awareness to many people.

I haven't been as eloquent as I would have liked here, but I'm curious what the rest of you have to say on the topic.