Chelsea Ritschel
The Independent
Author Chelsea Ritschel wrote the following article in The Independent:
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.
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.”
