Caitlyn Jenner says she's 'happy with myself' five years after transitioning

Jenner says her journey is 'different' from other trans people 

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Wednesday 10 June 2020 16:19 BST
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Caitlyn Jenner reflects on life since transition (Getty)
Caitlyn Jenner reflects on life since transition (Getty)

Caitlyn Jenner has reflected on what she’s learned in the five years after she transitioned.

Speaking with People, the Olympic gold-medallist recalled first feeling “seen” when she received her new driver’s license at the age of 65.

“It was so emotional,” Jenner said. “There I was. Caitlyn Marie Jenner.”

According to the now-70-year-old, the moment also meant realising that her former identity “did just about everything he can do” and that it was time to focus on what Caitlyn wanted.

“But then, I wondered, did Bruce deserve to be thrown away like this? He did a lot of good things. He raised 10 kids,” Jenner said. “But I wasn’t turning around. Bruce did just about everything he can do. He raised 10 kids. Now what does Caitlyn do?”

After acknowledging that it was time for her to live her life how she wanted, Jenner said that she wanted to focus her time on advocating on behalf of transgender rights.

“I thought, what a great opportunity to change the world’s thinking; 51 per cent of trans people attempt suicide,” she told the outlet. “The murder rate - we’ve been losing one trans woman of colour every two weeks.”

However, according to Jenner, her political affiliation as a republican made it hard to relate to other members of the LGBTQ community.

In 2015, Jenner faced backlash after she told Ellen DeGeneres that she is a “traditionalist” and believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

She later clarified her comments in 2017, telling Diane Sawyer that she is “100 per cent behind gay marriage”.

According to the former Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, she has since “changed” her beliefs again, explaining that she now identifies as “economically conservative, socially progressive”.

Jenner also said she believes "we need equality for all, regardless of who’s in the White House".

And while she acknowledges that her journey is different from other transgender people, Jenner said she is “happy”.

“This is my journey. Yes, it is different than other trans people. I get it,” she said. “But the bottom line is this: When I wake up in the morning, I’m happy with myself.”

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