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Bruce Jenner Will Open Doors For Transgender People, Advocates Say

(CBS) -- The Bruce Jenner declaration – that, for all intents and purposes, he is a woman – is opening doors for transgender people across the country, advocates say.

CBS 2's Mike Parker spoke with those seeing new doors opening.

ESPN writer Christina Kahrl made the transition 13 years ago and says the Jenner interview will change attitudes.

"This is a really unique opportunity for to talk about the things that need to change in our society," Kahrl said.

Monday, she was in the Loop, talking about the issue with veteran actor Jeffrey Tambor.

In a new series on Amazon, "Transparent," Tambor plays a 70-year-old man who is transitioning to female.

Tambor, who is married with four children, says he has learned much from playing his character and from what he calls Jenner's courage.

"That's what changes the world -- people who take risks and people who declare their authenticity and to say, 'This is who I am,'" he says.

Tambor and Kahrl both say they've been moved by the suicide rate among transgender people.

"I can speak as somebody who's lost four friends to suicide. I've had some friends murdered. This is something that's not a laughing matter," Kahrl says.

More than 40 percent of transgender people are attempting suicide every year. Most observers believe it's because many of them are homeless, or victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse or job discrimination.

 

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