Although you may not agree with everything Caitlyn Jenner says, there's no denying that she's become a trailblazer in her own right. Sure, she's not the first public figure to be openly transgender, but in a lot of ways, she's helping spark a conversation that's important to have. On Wednesday night, Jenner gave a sold-out talk at the University of Pennsylvania, and from the sound of it, it was an insightful event. When Buzz Bissinger — who interviewed Jenner at the event and for her Vanity Fair article last June — brought up the rumor that she came out as transgender just for money and fame, the I Am Cait star gave the perfect response. She shut down the accusations like a queen and, according to Billy Penn, said,
I don't need the money. So I don't understand that claim. No one transitions for financial gain. No way... You don't do it unless you know deep down in your soul that it's the right thing to do. If I can't be honest with myself about what I'm doing, I'm no good for anything.
Even though she shouldn't have to defend herself to anyone, the 66-year-old really did drop the mic with her response. It makes perfect sense that she decided to come out because she knew "deep down in [her] soul" that it was the right decision. I highly doubt that she'd go through such a major life change, just for the sake of publicity. That's ridiculous to even say.
Plus, when you think about it, of course she didn't need the money. She already was a successful Olympic gold medalist, who also had a motivational speaking career. Add in the fact that she starred on the ever-popular Keeping Up With the Kardashians and there's no denying that she was doing more than OK financially.
By that same token, I don't think Jenner was trying to throw her wealth or fame in the faces of others. That's not the point she was making. She's talked before about how she understands she comes from a place of privilege. On an episode of I Am Cait last fall, she said,
I’ve lived a great life, and I realized in this transition I kind of have that privileged status. You were a white guy, I worked hard, I was able to put a few dollars away. So, I’m blessed. I’m in a wonderful position in life... Boy oh boy, what I’m learning. It’s shocking for me to see the struggles that are out there.
She's also made it clear she wants to use her spotlight to help others that are not as fortunate, which is an admirable goal to have. To me, it seems like Jenner's main point is that she came out as a transgender woman because it reflects who she is in her heart; not for fame, attention, or any other nonsensical reason. In doing so publicly, she hopefully can help others in their journeys.
Still, Jenner acknowledges she may not be the perfect role model. She told the UPenn audience, "I'm not a role model. I'm so new to this community I don't expect to be one." Yet with responses like the one above, she definitely sets an important example. Especially when it comes to being true to yourself and shutting down unfair rumors.
