CNN asked Caitlyn Jenner, a biological male, to supply a quote for its celebration of “International Women’s Day.”
For its March 8th International Women’s Day discussion, CNN asked women around the world: “What single thing would you change to improve gender equality where you are?” One of those asked to contribute was former Olympic champion, Kardashian TV cast member, and, biological man, Caitlyn Jenner.
The cabler invited celebrities, athletes, politicians, businesswomen, and activists to offer their pearls of wisdom about the day meant to praise the contribution of women across the world.
Jenner’s contribution was featured prominently as the third entry in the list.
“My path to womanhood was very different and through that process I feel like I learned a lot about women,” Jenner wrote. “Women are brought up to kind of be a second-class citizen. Emotionally weaker. Physically weaker. I’ve always been inspired by strong women. And in particular, both by daughters: Kendall and Kylie.”
The former Olympian has been controversial for transitioning from a male to a female, less for the transitioning than for being highly celebrated for the decision. In 2015, for instance, ESPN awarded Jenner its “Arthur Ashe Courage Award,” despite the fact that Jenner’s transition had little to do with sports.
Other contributors who are featured in CNN’s celebration include Namita Gokhale, a writer and publisher from India, plus-size model Ashley Graham, fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg, Olympic gold medalist Jessie Diggins, left-wing comedienne Margaret Cho, along with a member of the Iraqi Parliament, the mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and many others.
Gold medal Olympian turned reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner, has reportedly accepted an invitation to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Jenner, who previously praised Trump during a contentious election campaign, will be among the many high-profile figures to travel to Washington, D.C. for the January 20 event, UsWeekly reports.
A self-described lifelong conservative, Jenner came out in support of then-Republican presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz in March, and even offered to serve as Cruz’s “Trans Ambassador.”
That same month, Jenner was seen on an episode of reality TV series I Am Cait calling Hillary Clinton a “f*cking liar” and a “political hack.”
“I would never ever ever vote for Hillary,” Jenner said during the episode. “We’re done, if Hillary becomes president — the country is over.”
A few months later, Jenner was praising Trump as possibly being “better” on women’s issues than Clinton.
“Everybody looks at the Democrats as being better with these issues. But Trump seems to be very much for women,” Jenner told the health magazine.
Jenner shocked Hollywood and the world in June 2015 with a Vanity Fair magazine spreadthat featured the first photographs taken following the former Olympian’s gender reassignment surgery. In a speech at the University of Pennsylvania in February, Jenner said that being transgender in Hollywood is easier than being a conservative Republican.
Jenner later legally changed his name to Caitlyn Marie.