Caitlyn Jenner's fairytale transformation not reality, says trans Calgarian
'Not everyone can afford to just pay out of pocket and get all their surgery done'
For Brett Mason, the worldwide attention Caitlin Jenner is getting over her transformation shows that our society's values are changing.
"Having trans people in the mainstream media is a huge, positive thing for trans people who are not out yet," said the transgender Calgarian.
- Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner, debuts on the cover of Vanity Fair
- Caitlyn Jenner and the spotlight on transgender stories
But Mason is concerned that Jenner's fairytale story is portraying a false reality.
"That's not the way for everybody. Not everybody is getting that praise, not everybody can look that beautiful."
Mason, who does not identify as a man or a woman, says transformation is a long process that is often not accessible to everyone.
Mason says he did receive financial support from Alberta's public health care system, but only after paying out of pocket for a gender dysphoria diagnosis from a psychologist.
Even then, Alberta Health Services only covers hormones, gender confirmation surgery and chest surgery for "transmasculine folk," says Mason.
But not breast implants and face feminization, which Jenner received.
Mason says those procedures cost $20,000 to $30,000.
"Not everyone can afford to just pay out of pocket and get all their surgery done. For most of us, it actually takes years."