Trigger warning: This column contains language and labels considered by many to be a slur.
As the second episode opens, ever-vigilant trans educator to the stars Jennifer Finney Boylan warns that newly minted trans spokeswoman Caitlyn Jenner is "not going to get a free pass anymore." That turns out to be a gross understatement -- at least in the compact confines of the road-trip bus where Caitlyn and her traveling friends are crowded together as they rumble toward New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.
While the world at large continues to embrace, at least superficially, Caitlyn's nascent Caitlyn-ness, Boylan and assembled Jenner pals Chandi Moore, Candis Cayne, Ella Giselle, Kate Bornstein, Ronda Kamihira, Courtney Nanson and Zackary Drucker are struggling to feel the love when the conversation again careens into politics. Despite her newfound prominence in the LGBT community, Caitlyn, after what she describes as "65 years of being a Republican male," is finding it hard to let go of certain ideologies and reflexes. (Also, shouting.)
"I think Donald Trump would be very good for women's issues," she asserts, as her new friends visibly draw back into their bus seats. "I would never, ever, ever vote for Hillary," Caitlyn continues, her voice rising. "She's a f---ing liar. What has she ever done in her life? Tell me one good thing she's done!"
When informed that Clinton has spent her entire life fighting for gender equality, in addition to performing concrete services and passing legislation, Caitlyn brushes off the facts. "That's a tiny thing," she says, which prompts Cayne and others to retreat to the back of the bus and curl into the fetal position while Caitlyn yells, "Benghazi!"
Clearly Caitlyn's lone-wolf conservatism is going to be a theme of the season, and that's fine, if not particularly nuanced.
Far richer is the secondary dialogue that unfolds between earnest, well-meaning Boylan and beguiling provocateur Bornstein over, among other things, the divisive term "tranny" and the ideology of trans assimilation in general. While for many in the trans community, "tranny" is as hurtful and unforgivable as the worst racial slurs, for others there's an evolving conversation around reclaiming it -- part of the right to choose one's own labels and own the words that others might use to shame them. For Bornstein, "Tranny is a family word," to which Boylan replies that, to her, it's as bad as "the N-word."
"[Tranny] is my name," pushes Bornstein. "It's who I am."
Bornstein goes on, explaining, "I don't to this day claim to be a woman. I identify myself as a non-binary trans person. I've been a tranny for 30 years. My first 20 years as a trans person, I was disgusting to people. An object of disgust. And I still am. And it really gets me in the gut to receive that [disgust] from LGBT."
Did you hear that sound? It was the mic dropping. It was every "model minority," please-love-me! I'm-just-like-you! straitjacket ripping into ribbons. It was the implosion of the burden of conformity (and its cousins, conventional attractiveness and abundant gratitude) as the only acceptable route to inclusion and equality. It was a shot to the groin of the dominant narrative. And it happened, of all places, on a reality TV episode.
Bornstein sees no value in pretending the world is different than it is. Nor does she care much if her gender expression makes you uncomfortable. She is the polar opposite of Caitlyn, whose fixation with passing and appearance applies not just to herself but also to those in her community she sees as lacking (see: her recent "man in a dress" kerfuffle). While Bornstein is pulling back the musty curtains of "go along to get along" activism and identity, Caitlyn is complaining that her new breasts bounce when she goes horseback riding. Clearly, there is room for growth.
At dinner, after being schooled for her earlier Trump comments, Caitlyn shrugs and admits, "I get very aggressive," when it comes to politics. "The old Bruce comes in."
A bit later, Bornstein shares her coming-out story with the gang, re-enacting how her Jewish mother initially rejected her with swift, lacerating cruelty. Eventually, with time and work, that relationship was mended enough that Bornstein now relies on her mother's words in times of struggle.
"I know life is hard, but that's what happens," Bornstein quotes, imitating her mom's Jersey Shore/Yiddish accent. "You build a world and it falls apart. But when it does, you always have the kind heart you were born with."
With the whole table now verklempt, Boylan sagely comments, "It's impossible to hate anyone whose story you know," and we watch as she and Bornstein warmly lock eyes, the power of their history, their countless battles and their considerable roles in the advancement of human rights passing silently between them, game recognizing game.
As the episode concludes, Caitlyn gives Bornstein the opportunity to hang a gender-neutral marker on a public restroom in compliance with the new Santa Fe city ordinance protecting trans people's rights.
As Bornstein presses the placard to the door, she turns, teary-eyed, to the mayor and thanks him.
"You've given me a place to pee!" she exclaims, filled with glee. "More than safe," she continues, "I feel included. I feel acknowledged. I feel respected."
I wonder what "old Bruce" would think of that?
"I Am Cait" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on E!
