John Jolie-Pitt, born Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, is only 8 years old now, but it should say something that their decision to go by the name of John extends all the way back to 2010 – and perhaps before (2010 was just when Angelina Jolie first spoke about it publicly). The news that John may be transgender is back in the spotlight again, for some reason, and Angelina and Brad Pitt are being praised for their decision to support their child’s discovery of their gender identity.
Here’s what Angelina said four years ago about John’s gender non-conforming:
“She wants to be a boy,” Jolie said. “So we had to cut her hair. She likes to wear boys’ everything. She thinks she’s one of the brothers.”
Clearly that’s the case – and John is still working those suits and looking fantastic. But it’s funny to me that this is news again simply because John has appeared in public (the whole family – including their brothers and sisters – appeared at one of the Unbroken premieres last week). The world seems to think it has a right to say how a child should or should not be parented – not to mention how a child should have their birth sex forced upon them as a gender. If the kid is happy and healthy, what does it matter?
Also, can we talk about how John looks EXACTLY like Angelina? I mean, damn – they are their mother’s child!
Really appreciate your use of gender neutral pronouns :)
That child looks exactly like Brad Pitt.
My cousin’s kid Lily looks and acts EXACTLY like Shiloh/John. She was on the football team, star pitcher on the baseball team, only wore boys’ clothes, etc. A big bruiser. But she did a 180 recently and is now wearing dresses and pink and acting girly. You never know what they’ll do :)
That is one of the most beautiful kiddos I’ve ever seen. The Jolie is growing on me. Like a teeny tiny spider monkey. That’s some great parenting right there.
And I meant beautiful in a non-gendered way! In a “wow, gorgeous child” way
Nice one, Jennifer. Super respectful. That’s why I read this website religiously. All the best to John and their parents, who seem to be fantastic people.
Kudos to Angelina & Brad, and Evilbeet!
Isn’t the name “Shiloh” gender neutral anyway? I think it’s funny she picked the plainest name ever when the rest of the kids have quirky names.