Caitlyn Jenner Paving The Way For Transgender People
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Reaction continues to come in following the debut of Caitlyn Jenner on the cover of Vanity Fair. Now we're hearing from her family.
Tracey Leong explains how she is paving the way for transgender people.
Caitlyn Jenner -- making her debut on the cover of Vanity Fair. Formerly known as Bruce Jenner, an Olympian and reality TV star, she's not shy from being in the spotlight.
Now she's revealing her gender transition to the world, tweeting:
I'm so happy after such a long struggle to be living my true self. Welcome to the world Caitlyn. Can't wait for you to get to know her/me.
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) June 1, 2015
Her family is thanking the public for their support.
"That's all we can really ask for is kindness, and we felt that, so thank you," said Kim Kardashian, stepdaughter.
Transgender advocates are hoping Caitlyn's courageous move helps put an end to discrimination -- because right here in Maryland, nearly 70 percent of the transgender people report feeling some sort of harassment while on the job.
Keith Thirion with Equality Maryland says high profile figures like Caitlyn put a face on the transgender community -- reaching a more mainstream audience.
"Seeing someone so publicly living as their authentic selves as Caitlyn Jenner can help change hearts and minds as they see transgender people are people just like everyone else," said Thirion.
Celebrities are also applauding Caitlyn's decision.
"I think if everyone was their authentic selves, we'd be in a really good place," said actress Melissa McCarthy.
"I was like, 'Oh my god. You go girl,'" said designer Betsey Johnson.
Caitlyn Jenner has also been receiving widespread support via social media, breaking the record for Twitter followers -- 1 million in just four hours.
Caitlyn Jenner's Vanity Fair issue hits newsstands on June 9.
