Jazz Jennings, a YouTube personality, spokesmodel, television personality and LGBT activist (Anthony DelMundo/WireImage)
I Am Jazz star Jazz Jennings has spoken about scarring from her gender confirmation surgery.
The transgender activist, now 19, shared photos on Instagram of the scarring she was left with after undergoing surgery in 2018.
She wrote: “These are my scars on full display in #2019. I’m proud of my scars and love my body just the way it is.
“I call them my battle wounds because they signify the strength and perseverance it took to finally complete my transition❤️#decadechallenge”
Jazz Jennings opens up about her ‘battle wounds’
The surgery was far from straightforward for Jennings, then aged 17.
She explained: “2018 was a rough year in my life. I experienced a major complication with my gender confirmation surgery and wound up back in the OR one week after the initial procedure.
“It was a tough journey, but experiences like that one only make us stronger in the end.
“Though it can be hard at times, a positive mindset and the support of those around you can help you conquer any challenge.”
Jazz Jennings has been out as transgender for most of her life
Jennings has been prominent in the media for several years as a transgender person, starring in her own documentary series I Am Jazz.
She is also the author of a book, ‘Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen,’ that regularly tops the most-banned lists amid furious attempts at censorship.
Jennings is also often a target of transphobic hate, having transitioned at the age of six.
She recently hit back at people who accused her parents of child abuse for supporting her trans identity.
The teen said: “What I see non-supporters saying is it’s my family’s fault, that they forced me into this, that they’re terrible, that my parents should go to jail for child abuse.
“That is just so freaking annoying, because my parents and family are the best people on the planet. That’s coming from me. They say the child must feel sad, depressed and abused, but I’m here right now saying that I’m not. End of story. Done with that.
“My family is absolutely incredible. They have guided me down a path of unconditional love and support.
“Without them, then I would be depressed and so upset and unable to express myself authentically.”
Jennings graduated as valedictorian of her high school in June, and has been accepted into the prestigious Harvard University – though she opted to take a gap year rather than immediately enrolling.