When the Authenticity of One Means Collateral Damage for the Rest

As a trans woman who is trying to exist within the margins of acceptability so as not to give ammunition to anti-trans snipers, here is my concern with entertainer Jonathan Van Ness:

Screenshot image: Cosmopolitan

Jonathan Van Ness (JVN) is undeniably a trailblazer — authentic, unapologetically visible, and a beacon of self-love for many. Their bold embrace of identity and willingness to challenge gender norms is admirable. However, as someone navigating a world rife with anti-trans rhetoric, I wrestle with the unintended consequences of JVN’s public persona.

Before you accuse me of caving into some sort of heterosexual or binary assimilation, let me clarify: my choice to live within the margins of acceptability is not about appeasing detractors or denying authenticity. It’s about recognizing how public perceptions are weaponized against our community. Every exaggerated stereotype or harmful narrative strengthens the arsenal of those who seek to harm us. My concern isn’t just about self-preservation; it’s about protecting trans youth who deserve to live authentically without fear of rejection, bullying, or violence.

Highly visible figures like JVN, though undoubtedly courageous, risk…