Salt Lake City, Utah – In a heartwarming story that has captured the attention of millions, 89-year-old Katherine has emerged as a beacon of unconditional love and acceptance for her transgender great-granddaughter, Jenna Tea. Their touching bond, shared in an Instagram video that has since gone viral, serves as an inspiring example of family support transcending generational and societal barriers.
Jenna Tea, a 21-year-old drag artist and makeup enthusiast, publicly came out as transgender in January 2024. While she initially feared rejection from her great-grandmother due to their generational differences, Katherine’s response was nothing short of extraordinary. “Well, it’s your life, honey. You have to do what makes you happy,” Katherine said in the video, adding that while adjusting to change can be difficult for some people, it is ultimately their problem—not Jenna’s—to navigate.
Katherine’s message resonated deeply with Jenna, who admitted she never expected such acceptance from someone of her grandmother’s age. “I always thought I couldn’t share this part of me with her and have it be okay,” Jenna shared. “But her response blew me away. She’s the most accepting person I’ve ever talked to.”
The video, viewed over a million times, has sparked conversations about the importance of family support for transgender individuals. Katherine’s wisdom and empathy have been celebrated widely, with many viewers praising her ability to embrace change despite societal norms from her generation. “It just goes to show how wise she is and how beautiful she is on the inside,” Jenna said.
Katherine’s unwavering support extends beyond words; she even attends some of Jenna’s drag shows, often becoming the center of attention at these events. Her actions exemplify the power of love and acceptance in fostering confidence and happiness within families.
For Jenna, sharing their story was about more than celebrating her grandmother’s kindness—it was also about offering hope to others who may lack similar support systems. “There are people out there who don’t have that,” Jenna said tearfully. “I think it gives people hope.”
As society continues to grapple with issues surrounding gender identity and acceptance, Katherine and Jenna’s story serves as a poignant reminder that love knows no boundaries—and that empathy can bridge even the widest generational divides.