Ep 37. Bruce Jenner: The Interview

Bruce Jenner became an Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon in 1976 and was widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of his generation. Later, he became known to a new generation as a reality TV personality on the hit show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." However, in 2015, he made the decision to reveal a deeply personal truth to the public: he is transgender.

In this episode of ABC's 20/20, viewers get an inside look at Jenner's journey towards transition, including his decision to sit down for a candid interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer. The interview was highly anticipated and sparked a national conversation about transgender identities.

The episode delves into the cultural significance of Jenner's story, which was seen by many as a watershed moment for the transgender community. Jenner's public coming out marked one of the highest-profile examples of trans visibility in American history and served as a catalyst for more widespread acceptance and understanding.

Interview footage from the Sawyer sit-down is combined with interviews from Jenner's close friends and family as well as experts in the transgender community. By examining the story from multiple perspectives, 20/20 provides a nuanced and empathetic look into the challenges Jenner faced throughout his transition.

One of the most compelling aspects of the episode is the focus on Jenner's family, who have been with him throughout his journey. Jenner's ex-wife, Kris Jenner, his former stepdaughter Kim Kardashian West, and his children are all interviewed, offering a personal account of their own struggles and triumphs as they grappled with their father's transition.

The episode does not shy away from the more sensitive and difficult aspects of the topic, including a discussion of suicide rates among transgender individuals and the violence that often targets the trans community. However, it is also hopeful, highlighting the power of representation and solidarity within the community.

Overall, this episode of 20/20 is a deeply touching and illuminating exploration of one of the most significant moments in recent pop culture history. By bringing together perspectives from both inside and outside the transgender community, it is able to offer a comprehensive and empathetic portrait of what it means to live as a transgender person in America today.