WHEN DID COURAGE BECOME A COMPETITION?

Since the day Caitlyn Jenner introduced herself to the world, the word "courage" has been tossed around like it's going out of style. Everyday, there is a new definition for the word, as people attempt to limit its' usage for what they deem appropriate. The list of folks who display "real courage", including war veterans, cancer patients and domestic abuse victims, are compared to her very public announcement in an attempt to squash its' importance. Personally, it makes me sick.

Courage is the ability to do something that frightens you. It's strength in the face of pain or grief. That is the dictionary definition. Stop reading this, and go look at yourself in the mirror. Who do you see? Most of us see ourselves. However, there is a significant population of our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, friends and co-workers who look in the mirror and see someone else. They trek into our cold, compassion-less society everyday being someone that deep down they know they aren't. Until one day they decide to shed what has been forced upon them and be who they really are.

I probably haven't done justice to what it feels like to be Transgendered, but my point remains. Courage comes in all shapes and sizes. It's ignorant and self-serving to limit its definition to suit your personal agenda. The vitriol that has accompanied Caitlyn's announcement is exactly why its courageous.

Our military personnel are courageous. Our police and firefighters are courageous. Patients with debilitating or deadly diseases are courageous. Women who survive and leave violent, abusive relationships are courageous. This list goes on.. and on.. and on.. so just STOP.

Stop comparing, Stop justifying your disdain for something you don't understand by downplaying its social significance. Stop posting pictures of what is or isn't courageous.

COURAGE IS NOT A COMPETITION!!