Patricia Arquette Supports Bruce Jenner: ‘She Is Fighting A Fight For A Lot Of Kids’

Patricia Arquette is a frequent presence on the talk show circuit these days, promoting her Oscar-nominated turn in Boyhood. But on Wednesday’s Meredith Vieira Show, Arquette was talking about a different issue: Bruce Jenner’s reported transition from male to female.

In the interview Arquette, whose sister Alexis was born Alex and transitioned two decades ago, said disrespectful media should be “ashamed” of the way Jenner has been treated: “They are on the unforgivable side of history.” Arquette went on to offer words of support directly to Jenner.

“If Ms. Jenner is transitioning, I give all my support to her and love and appreciate everything she has given to America and her bravery, because she is fighting a fight for a lot of kids that are being kicked out of their own homes—society turns their back on these kids. It’s really brutal.”

She then confirmed to Vieira that she witnessed her sister endure the kind of marginalization that is common among transgender youth. Arquette also credited Alexis for the positive role she’s played in her life.

“I feel like Alexis, my sister, has taught me so much about love and acceptance. It’s a very difficult thing to be transgender, especially 20 years ago when Alexis started. I said, ‘I don’t care what package you’re comfortable in, [I] love and accept you. I am glad you are here on earth. I want to be with you, spend time with you.”

Arquette comes from a large family of performers. Her older sister Rosanna and brother David are both noted actors. You can see a clip of Arquette’s appearance on The Meredith Vieira Show below.

Arquette is nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Boyhood, a low-budget film that was filmed a few days a year over 12 years. Arquette told The Daily Show‘s Jon Stewart that she was emotional when shooting finally wrapped.

“The last year of filming I was weeping so much. I usually love to finish things, but with this, I couldn’t stand it … I said [to Linklater], ‘This is a 20-year movie. I’m the mom, I have some pull around here!'”

Boyhood has six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor for Ethan Hawke and Best Supporting Actress for Arquette. She just won the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for the film. The movie also picked up Best Picture and Best Director. The Academy Awards are set for February 22nd.

[Patricia Arquette image: Getty]