Caitlyn Jenner - one of the most high-profile names within the transgender community - has waded into a viral debate surrounding a Texas restaurant's controversial bathroom images featuring her pre and post-transition.
What's more, her reaction probably isn't what a lot of people were expecting.
Dodie's Place Cajun Bar & Grill in Allen, Texas, originally gained notoriety on social media back in 2017 when photos of its gendered bathrooms were uploaded online. The doors to these restrooms showcased an image of Caitlyn Jenner as a woman to designate the female bathroom and another image of her pre-transition to denote the men's restroom.
Trans activist Jess Herbst passionately responded to the photos, telling Chron.com: "There is an obvious lack of understanding of gender dysphoria by the owner of the restaurant. Imagine the most humiliating and embarrassing moment of your life. Remember how you felt inside, that gut-crushing, out of breath, verge of panic attack feeling.
"Now imagine posting a giant photo of that moment in a very public place. This is how the photos in his bathroom make transgender people feel."
However, Jenner herself seems to have a different take on the matter. Responding to a recent tweet that reignited the debate, Caitlyn Jenner shocked many by describing the viral bathroom images as "funny as hell."
Social media erupted following Jenner's unexpected comment. While some applauded her for finding humor in the situation, others accused her of undermining the experiences of transgender individuals who find such depictions disrespectful and damaging.
"Your approval says everything. I love you so much," one fan responded, while another described Jenner's outlook as "a very healthy perspective".
However, one critic sharply replied: "Not funny at all."
The online debate underscores the deeply divided opinions on what constitutes humor, acceptance, and political correctness in today's society.
Back in 2017, in response to mounting criticism, Dodie's Place released a statement explaining their intention behind the bathroom images. The restaurant said it was a "lighthearted gesture to push back against the political correctness that seems to have a stranglehold on this country right now."
Their social media statement added: "We believe that political correctness has done more to silence rather than encourage important discussions that our society probably needs to have. Based on the mind-boggling feedback, both positive and negative, people are having that discussion."
The restaurant also called for a more open dialogue, saying that labels like "transphobic, deviant, racist, homophobic bigot" only serve to divide us. "After all, we are all part of the same race - the human race," the statement noted. "Surely we can discuss this topic and many others without slapping hurtful labels on each other. Please know that we are here to discuss this and move forward as a community. Everyone is welcome here."
Despite Jenner's response, it's clear that the issue remains contentious, and the Olympian's response has only reignited a necessary discussion on the balance between humor and respect in representations of gender identity.
