Caitlyn Jenner says she's 'happy with myself' five years after transitioning
Jenner says her journey is 'different' from other trans people
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments