Caitlyn Jenner is being honoured as one of Glamour’s Women of the Year. And what a year it has been for Caitlyn.
A year ago, Caitlyn didn’t exist — at least not in the eyes of the public. We simply saw a man, an Olympian, a reality TV star, who may or may not be transitioning in front of our eyes. Now, after just celebrating her 66th birthday, she is also being honoured by Glamour magazine as a Woman of the year.
However, the announcement did not come without some backlash.
It “certainly gives you an appreciation for the hostility to the trans community that still exists out there,” Glamour‘s editor-in-chief, Cindi Leive, told the Associated Press. “We’re proud of that and we’re proud of what Caitlyn Jenner has done to illuminate what so many in the trans community go through.”
“Where there is hateful chatter on Twitter, there is just as much, if not more, love and support, Caitlyn told the AP. “We prefer to focus on the positive.”
In her interview with Glamour, she said being part of the transgender community has given her life new purpose.
I started thinking, Maybe this is why God put me on earth,” Caitlyn said. “This issue has been swept under the rug for so long. I need to tell this story on the highest level you can possibly do it. Not just for me but for this entire community.”
The other 2015 Women of the Year include Reese Witherspoon, Elizabeth Holmes, Cecile Richards, Victoria Beckham, and Misty Copeland.