Jazz’s most prized possessions lay in a plastic bin in her bedroom. They’re not expensive or sentimental or even something one-of-a-kind, like the shimmering mermaid tails she’s sewn together as the perfect bikini bottoms.
They’re hand-me-downs, actually, from her big sister Ari, 15. Old bras 11-year-old Jazz, like most girls her age, is hoping to fill out soon rather than later.
“I titled that drawer, ‘Something for the future’,” Jazz tells me over the phone of her box of bras, “and then I put an arrow and wrote, ‘Or now’, because I’m desperate to wear it right now.”
Jazz says she wears the second-hand underwear “all the time,” trying them on in the privacy of her bedroom “continuously.” Recently, she was daring enough to leave the house in one of them, getting to her fifth-grade class unnoticed by her parents.
“But some of the girls noticed it,” her mother Jeanette chimed in.
“No,” Jazz quickly interjects. “One girl noticed it, and she wouldn’t have questioned me if she didn’t know I was transgender.”
At 11, girls begin breaking out of the prepubescent pack. They grow taller, they grow hairier, they grow curvier. These early bloomers pose a threat to their peers, like Jazz, who are lagging behind in the puberty pool, as they breast stroke towards the blossoming buds of early adulthood.
“She was like, ‘Why are you wearing a bra? You’re not supposed to have that,'” Jazz says of the girl who policed her bra-wearing that day. “But she really really wants boobs also, and the next day I stopped wearing the bra cause my mom made me stop but then she was wearing a bra.”
“You inspired her,” her mom Jeanette said, laughing.
“Yeah, she thought since I could do it she could too,” Jazz giggled.
And because Jazz is doing it — wearing bras, lip gloss, her hair long, girls garments to school — many kids know they can do it as well. This has been the overarching theme of Jazz’s young life. Her gender-defiant story began as a toddler when she would dance around in her sister’s plastic dress-up shoes. She soon expressed her love of mermaids and all things pink around her family, who learned to embrace her femininity.
But as they were busily planning Jazz’s fifth birthday pool party, Jazz had one request: she wanted to wear a rainbow-patterned, one-piece bathing suit. And by letting their youngest child do so, Jazz’s parents Jeanette and Greg took the initial step in their family’s journey into advocacy and education on behalf of their daughter and transgender children everywhere.
“[It] really was the first time we said to our friends, community, society that we were going to allow Jazz to be Jazz,” her father says in their documentary, I Am Jazz: A Family In Transition, airing Sunday night, Nov. 27, on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network (find your OWN channel here). “And it was an opportunity for Jazz to go out into the community and say, ‘I am Jazz.'”

The pool party was more than six years ago, and in that time Jazz and her family have been pioneers, sharing Jazz’s story of growing up trans in the media. I first heard Jazz’s story when I was flipping through channels in 2007 and saw a pretty little girl with olive skin and dark brown hair singing to Barbara Walters.
She seemed to be longing for something nearly unreachable as she sang, “In my own little corner in my own little chair I can be whatever I want to be.” Her expression and the tone of her voice didn’t match the plush pinkness of the chair she sat in, breaking my heart. “On the wings of my fancy I can fly anywhere and the world will open its arms to me.”
Just a year or so after her fateful fifth birthday party, Jazz was coming out with Barbara Walters at her side on 20/20, telling the world that she was a transgender child and her family fully supported her.
“At first we were so scared to bring our story forward but with the way Jazz was, she had such a positive message to give other children and she was happy because we allowed her to transition,” Jeanette reflects on deciding to let her child come out on national television. “It was the best thing we’ve ever done.”
With Jazz ripe into Tweendom and approaching puberty, the family continues to tell their story as they help Jazz explore options towards growing into the young woman she desires to be.
“It’s not a magic pill by any means,” Jeanette says of the hormone-blocking medicine that will suppress Jazz’s male puberty, in effect stopping Jazz from developing male secondary physical traits and buying the family some time to weigh their options, including undergoing hormone therapy to achieve physical female transition.
“It’s hard,” Jeanette says of the medical interventions her family must weigh in support of Jazz. “The whole hormone gamut is just uncharted territory. It’s considered experimental. But it goes with the territory. I’d rather have to do something like that than the consequences of having her body develop like my husband … I don’t want her to look like that, and she doesn’t want to look like that.”
Calling the drugs “extremely expensive,” Jeanette says she was recently quoted $18,000 a year for the hormone-blocking medication. “Insurance said no and we’re trying different avenues, we’re trying to appeal,” she adds, “But in the meantime she’s being put on the back burner and her puberty isn’t going to wait.”
This is when Jazz has her say, “Hey mom: When am I getting the the opportunity to take the medicine to get boobs? Didn’t you say January?”
Jeanette says maybe, and it’s enough to ignite a giggle from Jazz. That laugh, which can warm any sentient being’s heart, makes me think about the kids who can’t even wear lip gloss in their home or even think of picking up a Barbie. And what’s beautiful about Jazz is that she knows just how lucky she is to be able to ask her mother for boobs.
“It’s hard to hear some of their sad stories,” Jazz says of meeting other trans people, who are usually many decades older than her. “I feel so lucky that I have a mother as amazing as she is. If I didn’t have such a supporting family I don’t know what I would’ve done. It’s just amazing that I have such amazing people in my life.”
“This is one of the reasons we have the foundation,” Jeanette says of starting the TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation. “It’s a huge driving force because I know that whatever happens with us, we’ll make ends meet and we’ll figure out a way to pay for [the medicine]. But there are people that there’s just no way that they’ll even come close to affording any type of medication.”
Forced out of their homes and into shelters and often onto the streets, Jeanette cites stories of young trans people she’s met who are forced into prostitution to pay for hormones “on the black market” as motivation for her to keep telling her family’s story. “These are the kids I really want to reach,” she says of her personal advocacy. “I hear the stories, and I met some [of these young people] and they just cry, ‘Why can’t my mom be like you?’ It’s heartbreaking, and if I can just help one kid like that it will be successful.”

Though Jazz hasn’t started hormone blocking therapy yet, she and her family continue to live openly, as evidence in I Am Jazz, which followed the family for nearly two weeks and captured the joys and struggles of raising a transgender child.
“Some people just don’t understand,” Jazz says in the beginning of the documentary. “They think what I’m doing and what my parents are doing is wrong. And me as a person, I’m wrong.”
What makes it such a powerful film is the family’s solidarity when it comes to supporting their baby daughter/sister Jazz. One of her twin brothers, Sander calls her “the whole package” while her father brought me to tears when he read an email he sent to the soccer board, pleading for them to allow Jazz to play with her girls soccer team.
“It was very touching and I cried,” Jazz says of her father’s emotional moment in the film. “That was the part that got me, and when people see it I think they’ll feel that I deserve to play girls soccer.”
“My first goal is to help other kids like Jazz by educating their parents and the children and then through the foundation, giving back,” Jeanette says of the documentary. “And then secondly is educating all the people that are on the fence, like they kind of know about this, but they really don’t know but they have an open mind. And it’d be great to win over the people who look at us like crazy freaks.”
As for Jazz, who by living so publicly doesn’t have the opportunity to live an anonymous life, one that allows her to choose to disclose or not disclose her trans journey, her goal is all about helping other kids.
“I want to tell them that it’s okay to step out of their shadows and be who they are,” she says. “Just be true to yourself and always know that it’s okay to express yourself and just be happy.”

Then, she turns the table on me.
“Janet, that’s why I feel I have such a big connection with you,” she says, “because you’ve face similar things that I have and have done things that I haven’t yet, so I feel I can really really connect with you.”
It’s then that I begin tearing up and tell her she’s making me cry, not because of what she says but because she understands the connectivity of this moment. When I saw her in 2007 on 20/20, I merely saw a little girl. But hearing her sing that sweet little song which boasted lyrics symbolic of the load she was carrying by being her authentic self, made me think of me. It also made me insanely proud that there has been progress. When I was growing up, transitioning as a high school student was groundbreaking, and to medically transition at all was a feat to the generations of trans women and men before me. Now to see that there are kids who are going into kindergarten, like Jazz, as the gender that speaks to their soul, filled me with hope.
It’s getting better because brave souls and sages, wrapped in the package of little human beings, choose to live visibly, choose to be exactly who they are, and choose to share with us all the joys and struggles of their journey. In effect, helping us all become more open, more brave and overall better human beings.
“Being your mom is such a pleasure, Jazz,” Jeanette tells her daughter at the end of our phone call. “I tell you I marvel at my child, I marvel at all four of my children for different reasons, but this one keeps me on my toes because I never know what I’m going to get.”
Watch Jazz and her family’s story unfold in I Am Jazz: A Family In Transition, airing Sunday, Nov. 27, on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network at 9/8c. And learn more about the family’s foundation on the TransKids Purple Rainbow website.
Hi I am a girl
my name is Ishae I used to have seizures
and I love
your show Jazz I love you to
I just hate people that
judge understand you
instead you Jazz.
I am looking forward to watching her show. I am also looking forward to the day that everyone will be accepting of people like Jazz.
I ♡ jazz , jazz is bae . I am always in the top 2 or 3 in sports and everything, and all the girls like me a lot. Even the girls a few years older are after me. I like jazz My friends I told make comments and tease me sometimes. I don’t care jazz is so nice and sweet. She’s going to be a great success and have her choice of nice boys. I ♡ her I would so be her body guard.
Hi Jazz, I’m Mya
Jazz, you are a wonderful girl. It doesn’t matter if your different from all the other girls and that you have boy parts instead of girl parts. You are a unique and amazing girl. It is really hard to be transgender and be different. But don’t let it bring you down. If you tell other people, there probably going to think that your weird and everything, but their wrong. I probably going to say this a million times but be the best you can be. Don’t think about what other people say about you. All those people who say this “She was born a boy, that’s stupid!”, don’t let that take you down. Have a fun life with your family. They are the ones who care about the most. If your friends and family like you for who you are, then that’s good. You have fun with your life and you keep being the best you can be. Your the best!!!
Sincerely,
Mya
Jazz – girl, you ROCK! I highly respect you, and your unerring knowledge of who you are. How many people live their whole lives without figuring that out? You will do some amazing and important things in your life time – look out world! Here comes Jazz! Go get ’em, tiger!
Jason needs to pull his head out of his fanny. Probably jealous is the way I see it. Not everyone has wonderful parents who support them, and it looks like Jason was an unloved little girl.
Jazz, I love what youre doing I admire you willingness to express yourself so openly to others and to explain to them what you’re Doing . I support you fully and sometimes wish I could be like you. Keep being you and never let others tell you other wise. Good lucki can’t wait for you to grow up into a beautiful woman
Hi I would love your daughter to email me I think she is a pretty girl I am11 year old or about to be In October I watched a lot of yalls video’s on YouTube and she is amazing and so pretty I have gone throw hard stuff before to but not like her I hope she emails me because because she is an inspiration to me and I want to teach other kids about here and not just transgender kids but all and I hope she gets a boyfriend that respects her for who she is and I heard she wants to be a mom so I hope all her dreams come true
Jazz you are a unique little girl keep fighting for what you believe in god bless you and your family
Jazz is an amazing person. She has inspired me! I hadn’t even heard of this before I watched her videos and read this. I can’t imagine what she goes through everyday, and she is just so tough. Her family is so supportive and nice. She really has inspired me.
Jazz and family,
I have to admit that at over 60 years old I had become accustomed to the LGB portion of LGBT but had no understanding of “transgender” and what it really means until I saw a video of you and Barbara Walters. Thank you for your bravery and ongoing commitment, you have made a convert today of this old white male. I will always look at transgender people as unique and special thanks to you folks. Jazz, you go girl!
Hi, my name is Kathryn. I am 12 like you. Jazz(<3 that name), you are a pretty girl(slightly annoys me how pretty you are) your story has inspired me. One question though. Do you ever think about what your life would have been like if you were a boy? Also, you are very brave for expressing your true self. I would have hidden my whole life. That's all, keep on inspiring and staying strong.
Ps. I love ur clothes their really cool(unlike mine)
Jazz I happy for u I’m older than u by a year wish we could be friends!! I like the way your family treats you like any ordinary child well that’s what you are anyways………jazz don’t let anyone change you just be yourself doesn’t matter what people think of it matters what your family and you think of your self…. I hope you reply back and add me on Facebook katey Samuel plzz add!!!!
THIS IS SO TOUCHING!!!!!! I am a gender fluid pansexual… In other words, I do not specify my gender I could go either male or female, and I m gender blind with dating. Jazz your story has touched my heart. It was really be an inspiration to me to not hide who I am. You’re years younger than me, I am almost 15, but you’re truly someone I look up (well kinda) to. You’re an inspiration to me. I have to do a report on people who have inspired us, I am doing you…. Well, if I can, I am in an Catholic School. You’re an amazing little girl!! You’re beautiful hunny. Remember, Always do you and never listen to what others have to say. You’re as much as a girl as anyone else.. Keep your head up and keep smiling gorgeous
Writing from France.
Just seeing, not “the documentary”, not “the issue”, not “the TV program” but the TESTIMONY of HER young life… really touched about this… BE YOURSELF…. Let’s bad people with closed mind talk… Congratulations for her parents jeanette and Greg and family support.
Sorry if bad english writing form.
One life, enjoy it.
Jazz is the most out spoken well known girl I know.
She doesn’t care what anybody thinks about her.
The negative comments or good comments she going to be her regardless. I really don’t see why people judge one other.
But GOD has the last say in anything and everything.
GOD can only judge.
Herman, Once again your tossing around the typical comments used by people who don’t like hearing the truth. “Daddy issues” . No never had any “daddy issues” all of the men in my life through out all of my years were prime examples of men and along with thier female counterparts properly guided the male and female children they were given charge of in the proper direction of thier respected genders. This is the moral and social responsibility of every parent. Children are young human beings who come into this world with curious undeveloped minds which need to be molded and developed. That is one reason out of all the species of animals on earth a human child takes about 18 years to fully develope where as other species develope in two to three years or less. It is the parents job to help that childs mind to develope properly and not let society do thier job for them, and if they can’t do that or are illequipt to do so then they shouldn’t bring children into this world. This holds true for every aspect of society including but not limited to criminal activity, education or the lack there of, personal responsibility and yes! this rediculious idea that homosexuality and trying to “change ones gender” is normal behavior.
PLEASE IMAGINE YOURSELF IN A FEMALE BODY. I GATHER YOU WILL BE TOTING YOUR BIBLE WHEN YOU ARE IN THAT FEMALE BODY. PLEASE REFER TO IT TO SEE IF THERE IS A WAY TO CHANGE BACK TO MALE. SIR, YOU DO NOT RADIATE LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE SO YOU KNOW NOTHING OF GOD. ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT MAKE THE WORLD SO DIFFICULT FOR CHILDREN THAT YOU MAY THINK OF AS DIFFERENT. AND EQUATING GIVING BIRTH WITH BEING A FEMALE? T, HERE ARE PLENTY OF WOMAN BORN FEMALE WHO CANNOT GIVE BIRTH. I QUESS IN YOUR MIND YOU DO NOT CONSIDER THEM FEMALE.
You have got to be kidding me! I find the comments, though absolutely the given rights to express of the previous person’s posting so one-sided and narrow-minded. I am a 62 year old heterosexual woman who has relatives, friends and co-workers who have struggled with their gender identification their whole lives.
Most are Christians and Jewish and have come from supportive, responsible parents and families. This also includes younger sons and daughters going through the same with “straight” parents. Time and time again when they have opened up and discussed how they feel, it boils down to not being a choice, but rather how they actually feel inside, in their minds, brains. It’s how they feel and not a choice for them and they can’t be swayed into thinking otherwise. This is how they feel. The ones have married members of the opposite sex have ALL gotten divorced.
Many have met with ministers, priests and Rabbis in an attempt to change their minds, praying for help and guidance. I include them in my daily prayers and am always there for them with my love and support if and when they ask for it.
Only one that I know of is trying to change, but it is a daily struggle, trying to change and adapt her thinking, and is on prescription drugs for depression. She is miserable and can’t enjoy, feel good about herself or even focus on normal daily activities- her life totally revolves around her “confusion” as they put it
and I find that totally unacceptable. She has been on suicide watch as well.
It saddens me when I think about the countless others going through the same struggle, many of them being abandoned by their families and ridiculed by society.
The moral majority should focus on the homeless, abandoned children, the addicted, etc., and walk the talk, and remember “Judge not least thee be judged.” For those who believe in a higher power, and I certainly do, know we will have to answer to our Maker when our life on this Earth has ended, and He will be the one who judges.
Take care of yourself Jaz. I appreciate your courage and will include you and all others struggling in my
thoughts and prayers.
so agree with you SMH
Jazz!! You should set up a web site for medical expenses…….you have so many fans that we could take that burden off of your family…..although they are AWESOME so far. When you do, please let me know…the first $100 are from ME!
I left another comment later that said “She is no more a boy than I am an aardvark>!” Well, I’m not a typing aardvark! I have one cousin who’s parents disowned her because she married a black man and another who because she was gay. WTH?? Your parents are AWESOME! I was raised to be racist and bigotted but guess what?……I GREW A BRAIN OF MY OWN! People are people and God made us all! You ARE just who you are SUPPOSED to be. Your bravery has emboldened me to take on the injustice in my family! May God bless you and take care!
‘
Jazz….you are a brave and beautiful young girl. I saw the 20/20 interview and quickly became a fan@!!!!!!
coodoz to U jazz I think ur beautiful -and i can tell when i look at u your a GIRL-” I think ur one of gods angels” and ur so courageous dont let anyone ever put u down, just dont listen, some people have no compasion for others and its probably something going wrong in there own lives .
After having seen another documentary on persons born with these characteristics, it was a landslide on behalf of not letting anyone decide ‘what they should be’ and the most salient point was their preference to be empowered as a “Third Gender”.
I was so impressed with these responses, I too feel there should be a third gender! What is the problem?
Some of the teens and adults interviewed were livid that someone had made the decision for them long before they were even old enough to understand and some, even at birth, were changed.
I am a well read and well educated gentleman of 70 years and I vote to “Leave these kids alone!” (Pink Floyd)
Many on the documentary I watched were already happily married. So, again, what is the problem?
Sorry to disapoint you but there are and has only ever been two genders. That will never change. Being well read and well educated means very little if tempered that reading and education with the Bible. Otherwise your mind is as polluted as most as your environment.
Jason – I do not condone name-calling or attacks in the way that you’ve engaged in. So I have unapproved any of your comments calling other commenters “morons” or “idiots” for understanding that gender (which is different than anatomical sex) is a lot more diverse than just masculine/feminine, man/woman, boy/girl. Please be respectful of others’ outlooks and they’ll be more respectful of you. Attack and debate are very different things.
Lisa , You obviously don’t know the definition of the word and your grammer is terrible” a ignorant!” . However I see you did spell ” God ” right this time. There could be some hope for you after all I dought it , but who knows. I’ll try to simplify it for you even further. The chromosones in Jazzs’ DNA contain an X and a Y signature with is the contribution of a male not an X and a X signature which would be the contribution of a female subject. Nothing man can do to change that.
jason Stevens – “Gender” and “Sex” are not synonymous. “Sex” is what you are referring to when you speak about DNA, X- and Y- Chromosomes. “Sex” is the biological factor and is defined by our DNA. “Gender” is socially constructed, socially defined. DNA does not relate to Gender in any fashion. Therefore, the argument you make isn’t quite valid. You are entitled to your beliefs, but attacking (i.e. calling names) someone for theirs is not an efficient way to conduct an argument, whether it is of a moral basis or not. You can’t change science; and changing culture is nearly as impossible.
Janet – I happened across this article when I was searching about Jazz for one of my college courses (“Gender, Sexuality, & Homophobia”). It is an amazing article, and I just wanted to pass on some praise. Keep up the fantastic writing.
Jason, you should check your own grammar before finding fault with others. Your own leaves much to be desired. I find many, many grammatical and spelling errors in your comments.
Immersion in only one book as a primary reader is a glaring display of ignorance as is selecting only one aspect of any book. So much for compassion, acceptance, Judge not lest ye be judged. It is not your place to judge. Gender has nothing to do with anatomy, per se. Anymore than you’re choosing to be such a judgmental bigot. Wait, I need to correct myself, YOU have the CHOICE to change. Someone dealing with Gender dysphoria, as it used to be called,do NOT. Jason, You want smaller feet than what you have? No problem, just put your feet in smaller shoes. See how well that works? Believe me, I AM being nice.
Cute kid. I want to give a shout out to her parents cor supporting her. I wish there were more like them
The parents and everyone making comments in support of this irresponsible and redicous example of parenting should be asamed of themselves. Jazz was born a boy which means that is exactly what he is no matter what he wants to be or how he says he feels . It is the parents responsibility to guide and help that childs mind develope properly. What going to happen when that child attempts to live a normal life and get married? Is he going to tell the young man whom he fooled that he can;t give birth and why.? Tell him he was born a male. All of the morans giving support to this stupidity and using those over used phrases such as “she should who she is” and she should be accecpted for who she is are quoting meaningless statements. , because a person can only be who they areand in this case this boy named Jazz was born a boy to a particular set of parents and can not be anyone else. I know that most of you if not all of you will be totally pissed at my comment but the bottom line is man can not change what God has done . The proof is the fact that no matter what sergury that child has he will never be able to give birth. only someone born female can give birth and he will never be a female!
This IS how god made Jazz!
I take great offense at your comment about fertility. What about all the woman who can’t give birth? Are they not women because they are infertile or have had to have a hysterectomy? Is that all woman are to you is baby making factories?
First of all, I don’t care whether you take offense or not . God which is spelled with a capitaql “G” did not make him like this. God made him a male, because if that were not the case then there would no need for a physical change via surgery or hormones. Now with regard to a women not being able to give birth due to infertility or because of a hysterectomy they are still women born with the internal organs and external body parts that allow for that function if not otherwise affected by adverse conditions. In other words born female. Finnally this is not an issue about whether or not i think women are a “baby making factory” this is an issue about what is true and what is not , what is real and what is not and what is right and what is not and the support of this outlandish idea that this is normal with regard to this child.is not.
I think it’s ridiculous for people to say it’s not right to change how God made Jazz or any other person. God DID make her born this way and that much is very apparent. I was born with a cleft lip and palate- how God made me- does that mean I couldn’t go through the over twenty years of treatment including eleven surgeries to get me to a place physically so I could fully participate in life the way I deserve?
And to Jazz, you and so beautiful and strong and inspirational. I am a girl who grew up in a conservative Catholic family and I still consider myself Christian in that I believe in God. What I don’t get is how people who call themselves Christian can deny that God loves every single one of us. I think what you are doing is amazing, and I wish you nothing but the best in your life as a young woman!
Jason, you are ignorant! God bless you Jazz, you are a beautiful little girl!
You are right about a few things. She has accepted the fact that she cannot have kids and tells any boy that is interested in her the truth up front. DID YOU NOT SEE 20/20? AND man cannot change what god has done….only correct it.
Jason, Jason, Jason……have you ever seen a duck-billed platypus…..A mammal with a duck bill that lays eggs…… God does not make mistakes……he just makes individuals! And some are more special and some are smarter.
I will no longer respond to Jason because I do not want to fight…..I know Jazz would not want that. Plus, he is an idiot.
Herman, Sure i’ve seen a duck billed platypus. They are found in Austrailia. That is one of many creatures God has made that look strange. Have you evern seen a lantern fish because that is another one , but man which includes both man and woman were made in the image of God and made in two distinct genders male and female nothing in between and not made to be a convertable . Read Genesis chapters 1 and 2 of the Bible very carefully and very slowly and go over it a couple of times it remarkably easy to comprehend. P.S. be careful, Janet has already expressed a dislike for name calling.
So now you are claiming to know what God looks like…..and God’s will?
Herman, I don’t have to claim to know what God looks like. If you read the Bible it expains very clearly read it for yourself; that is unless you don’t want to in fear of having the real truth revealed to you which would then force you to rethink your position on the whole subject. As far as your refference to living in a “cave”. like so many others who ignore fact and truth and are swept up in what is supposed to be politically correct and what society deems acceptable you obviously refuse to accept the fact that God and his word has always been the same and does not change. read 1 corinthians 6:9 thru 11 and Romans ch 1:18 thru 25. Ps Gods’ will is also explained very clearly in the Bible which happens to be the best selling book in history. Take the time and read it for yourself 3 1/2 chapters a day will get you through the whole book in 1 year.
Jason,,,,,,why are you here? Do you have daddy issues? Jazz DOES NOT>>> she has complete support from her family and fans and you should just go back to the cave you crawled out of.
You are still irresponsible and ridicous and should be ashamed. AND If you wonder where I got these stupid words….I copied and pasted from YOUR mail! Read a book, get a life and back off.
Actually, that is false sweetie. I am a proud gender fluid, no I am not both male and female, but I know for a damn fact that it is NOT a choice. Who in their right mind would choose to be picked on? Every year about 1,400 kids are bullied and about 10-15% of them commit suicide sweetie. When you’re born, you can’t choose to be male or female, its how you’re born. Jazz was born special. It’s as much of a choice to be gay, trans, bi, etc as it is to be white or black. See, there is no logic in that. You’re talking about religion in this, yes God has played a part, but he loves her JUST as much as he loves you and I. If God didn’t want her that way, she would not have been born that way. I am Catholic, I go to Church every Sunday, I work for my Church so I know what I am talking about. She is a GORGEOUS young lady. In the bible, in Genesis it talks about how we’re all made in God’s image and how he loves us all; well, that is true about us and Jazz. She is embracing who she truly is. Nobody should take that away from her. Nobody should be told who they can and can’t be. Jason, telling her she can’t be a girl because she was born a boy, is like me telling you that you can’t like rap music because you were born white. At the same time, she felt trapped. She knew it wouldn’t be right to stay a boy. God did make her like this, He put the image in her mind to become a boy, other wise she would’ve stayed a male. If you really wanna be ignorant and start unneeded drama, feel free to email me sarbear980@gmail.com
That goes to anybody who has anything negative to say about Jazz.
In Exodus, God had put the Irealites in Egypt, just like He did for them, He will do for her. He broke them free, and he will do that to her. In the end, nobodys opinion means anything, for in the end, God will judge all.
Jazz,
keep doing you and keep being beautiful sweetie. Hold your head up and ignore what others think. You’re as much of a girl as anyone else. Stay strong and be YOU.
Jason, there is a difference between the male and female brain. THIS is what happens in these cases. She was born with a female brain.All you have to do is read up in it.
Closed minds should have closed mouths :)
Well said Jason! I think people need to guide there children not confuse them even more!
What an amazing family. Those are some amazing parents! It’s been a long time since I have seen parents as supportive as hers. I wish them the best.
This women should be applauded for her courage and for the love and acceptance she gives her daughter. she needs to find a different pharmacist though. My monthly hormone bill is only $28 a month. That includes my 2 blockers and my estrogen.
Hello Jazz,
Like you, I knew at a very young age I was different. I tried to do something about it without adult or parental support. It wasn’t until I became an emancipated teen that I could do anything. That was 30 years a go and to transition then was far harder than I ever imagined.
I am happy for you that your parents have been supportive. As one transwoman to a young lady who will be a transwoman one day soon, I wish you every happiness in your journey through life. As your body grows into womanhood, I hope that you find it is more of a continuing series of goals rather than just a single goal as I did in the beginning! Listen to your instincts and your feelings, they will help guide you along your path to adulthood. Watch carefully the girls and women around you to know the actions a proper young lady should know, and you will do very well!!
Wishing you every happiness!
Respectfully,
Roberta~Jeanae
Jazz is a brave and amazing beautiful little girl. Such an amazing story, she will definitely make a change in this world. It is a very inspirational story, and its great her family is so supportive. Jazz was definitely put on their earth for a reason, she will make great change. :)
Jazz’s story is amazing. Knowing how young she was when she transitioned. I’m proud of her and hope every mom and just every parent can be so accepting. I am proud to be a Transman, cause it’s just amazing the things people go thorugh and for some of them to be so accepting. Wonderful. I hope every transwoman or transman is inspired by her bravery and will be able to be themselves as she was herself!
Thank you Jazz, you are a beautiful, wonderful and brave young girl!
Keep being you!
Andrew.
I think that Jazz is so beautiful. I have questions about my sexuality at 31. But to know that Jazzy know who she was from the begining is inspirational. Her parents are the best parents and siblings are the best in the world, That just shows us how unconditional love is. I look forward to hearing about Jazz and I think she is beautiful and very lucky. You are special and keep doing what you are doing. You are so great I mean I watched your story and I felt you. I think its great people are special and stand out they must be who they are when they are who they are. You are the greatest keep being you and watch how many more people will love you. Please don’t stop being you. One of your biggest fans.
Aja
I just found your website and I wanted to say I am so touched by your story and this little girl’s story. I am not transgendered, but I fully believe that everyone should live life in the way they want and be who they are. I am so glad you are there as a wonderful role model for Jazz.
I admire her mother. I don’t know that I could be so supportive…. but I admire Jeanette for it, and Jazz for being so courageous.
OMG!!!! That is Jazz from the 20/20 special on trans youth!!!!! I work with a group where we hold weekly drop in centers for LBGTQ teens!! I ran a group a few years back where we showed the 20/20 episode. Not a dry eye in the house. Group was set to end at 9. The youth didnt leave until 11. We processed the 20/20 show, showed love to those youth who are trans and had a great evening. Powerful, powerful group session. We still talk about it to this day!! :)
Jazz is all grown up now!!! So excited to see her again on this site! Thank you for posting this.
I would like to know how I could get a copy of a documentary. My son has the same symptoms as Jazz. Please help me.
It is so great that this little girl follows her dreams and doesn’t let anybody come between that. she is a stong and inspiring person. she has helpful parents and loving brothers who all support her so much if only people had courage and could be just like that wonderful person…
Alamanda!
JAZZ, what an amazing young woman you are. Your story really touched my heart. You are so beautiful, kind, smart and so generous. You have the maturity of a grown up. When I watched I Am Jazz, I just wanted to hug you and tell you how much I admire you for all that you are doing. You are a hero in my books…. It really made me sad to see that kids treated you bad, but what a suprise… kids are unfortunately mean… but this is no excuses, for them to be like this around you. You seem to be so given and loving….
My 13th year old daugther was watching your documentary with me and saying how she would be your friend no questions asked…. I just wanted to thank you for the bottom of my heart for having the courage to share your story with the world. It is an amazing story and you are an amazing human being!
Love, Julie
Jazz,
You are a remarkable human being. You were placed on this Earth to be an educator of your condition and more importantly, to show others how captivating, loving, and selfless “unconventional” people really are. You and your family are pioneers of the next generation and I thank you for being brave enough to tell the world your story. It’s about time we stop keeping our mouths shut for the comfort of other people. Uneducated, apprehensive people need someone like you to fall in love with so they can let go of their fears and love unconditionally. Thank you, sweet girl. I wish you luck and happiness in all of your endeavors.
hello Jazz!!
i am the mother of 6 children one of which is a trans-teen (Harmony Santana) from the movie GUN HILL ROAD one of Janet’s related posts. I was amazed to hear about you last night. wow! it was so great to know and to see the great parents you have. your family relates to my family, the way we feel about Harmony we support Harmony she is a beautiful person, lovely, smart, and very dependable .Harmony was born male, as a mothers instinct somehow I knew she was different in every aspect. But as a male macho man his father did not wanted to admit the reality about Harmony. So I waited till Harmony was old enough and ready to face for herself and reality. when Harmony came to me she was 15 and on a new years day 3am she revealed to me that she was gay. under my covers with a big smile on my face as no surprise i said to her is OK mommy knows who you are so go to bed and have a goodnight sleep. she hugged me kissed me and said ohhh mommy, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH !!!!! next morning she came back to my room just to make sure the conversation we had at 3am was not just a dream jajajajaja. what a relieve to her that was. i love Harmony the same way i love all my other 5 children they are my life. But i feel that i am double blessed with Harmony because god gave me 2 people for me to love. The boy she was is still in my heart and in my life and the beautiful memories i have of him will die with me. now that i have Harmony there is not much difference she keeps up the same love and respect for her family. Harmony’s dream is also to help other confront their fear. She is into acting and her first movie is GUN HILL ROAD great movie you have to watch.
Gooooooo Jazz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Set an example for the world. Set the world on fire. You are beautiful and amazing. You are so blessed to have such amazing parents to support you!! What a moving story!!!!!!!!!!! Watching the documentary brought tears of joys to my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!
“…$18,000 a year for the hormone-blocking medication…”
Wow – I had no idea it would cost that much. That’s going to be a major barrier for most. Something we will have to address over the next few years.
Thanks, Janet, for sharing this update with us.
My wife is currently going through hormone therapy, and while it isn’t cheap, it isn’t 18k either. We spend a total of about $150 a month for her, and that’s for 3 different medications. Our insurance doesn’t cover most of it, so that’s almost all out of pocket for us. I look forward to the day that insurance companies recognize this as the legitimate health concern, so everyone can be free to be who they were meant to be.
I believe what they are talking about are puberty blockers. Only pre-adolescents qualify for that treatment which I have heard is quite expensive. Even my 14 yo is too old for them.
May I interrupt here. The blockers is what Jazz is on and without insurance coverage it’s much more expensive than the cross hormones that your wife is probably taking. My son is on cross hormones FtM and as well they cost me about $75 per three months. But because we didnt get on blockers also cost us an out of pocket surgery of 10k to remove his breasts. The important step for our young people is to get blockers which may be impossible for most.
What a beautiful story about a beautiful child. Having lived 28 out of 33 of my years in hiding, of course reading this makes me wish that my situation could have been different. But it also makes me tear up with joy to know that we can make the next generation’s journey a little easier, and hopefully they can go even further than we ever dreamed.
Jazz is a BEAUTIFUL child. I cannot wait to learn more about her. My grand daughter and I will watch together.
She is so pretty I’m 10 and I would date her she is so beautiful
She is a little angel !!! I can not find better words to describe her. Every parrent should be proud to have such wonderful daughter!