Caitlyn Jenner, arguably one of the most famous transgender people in the world, has penned an op-ed for The Washington Post saying her “outlook has changed significantly” regarding her support for Donald Trump and his administration.
“These past two years under President Trump have given me the opportunity to reflect on a lot of topics that have come up in the LGBTQ community and in our nation,” writes Jenner. “As I’ve watched and pondered, my outlook has changed significantly from what it was during my highly publicized and glamorized early Caitlyn days, when my life as an out trans woman was just beginning.”
Admitting she’s been on a learning curve since coming out as transgender, the 68-year-old reality celebrity shares she has “reflected on what my unique position of privilege means and how I can best use it to make a positive difference.”
Pointing to Trump’s declaration at the Republican National Convention in 2016 where he promised he would do everything in his power to “protect LGBTQ citizens from violence and oppression,” Jenner says she “saw fertile ground for change within the Republican Party on LGBTQ issues.”
With American views on LGBTQ citizens improving, even in the GOP voter base, Jenner felt “optimistic that this was how I could leverage my privilege for change.”
After “many trips to Washington” which produced what she described as “positive” and “encouraging” conversations, Jenner felt hopeful for “positive change.”
“Sadly, I was wrong,” admits the former Olympian. “The reality is that the trans community is being relentlessly attacked by this president. The leader of our nation has shown no regard for an already marginalized and struggling community.”
“He has ignored our humanity,” continued Jenner. “He has insulted our dignity. He has made trans people into political pawns as he whips up animus against us in an attempt to energize the most right-wing segment of his party, claiming his anti-transgender policies are meant to “protect the country.”
“This is politics at its worst. It is unacceptable, it is upsetting, and it has deeply, personally hurt me.”
Jenner now feels her belief that she could work with the Trump administration to improve transgender lives was “a mistake.”
She calls the recently leaked Department of Health and Human Services memo, that reveals a plan to redefine gender in a very narrow manner that could virtually erase 1.4 million trans people in the United States, “just one more example in a pattern of political attacks” on trans people.
“I do not support Trump,” she shares. “I must learn from my mistakes and move forward.”
“I need to listen more to the members of the LGBTQ community and to learn more. I need to better use my voice, my privilege and my foundation to advocate and support our community.”
Jenner concludes with the statement: “The world needs to hear us. The world needs to know us. We will not be erased.”
While it's laudable that Jenner can admit her "mistake," some in the Twitterverse felt the admission was a case of 'too little, too late.'
First he came for the Blacks
and I did not speak out
because I was not BlackThen he came for the Mexicans
and I did not speak out
because I was not MexicanThen he came for the Muslims
I did not speak out
because I was not MuslimThen he came for me.https://t.co/0UW7StUIkR
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) October 25, 2018
Caitlyn Jenner is the woman that was told that touching a hot stove would burn you and two years later admits that touching a hot stove will burn you.
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) October 25, 2018
I appreciate that Caitlyn Jenner can now admit she was wrong about Trump. However, maybe she should have listened to those of us who have known him for decades when we all say the same thing. https://t.co/T17GkqxLAb
— Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) October 25, 2018
Dear @Caitlyn_Jenner,
The most important part of an apology is not just admitting you’re wrong, but also doing something to make it right.
Here’s a Democratic pac that you can support to help flip Congress Blue.
https://t.co/OpR05I3lXf https://t.co/QpwIeaSbGc
— Ryan Knight (@ProudResister) October 26, 2018
What do you think, readers? Is it 'forgive and forget' time regarding Jenner's Trump support?
To own your mistake is the
To own your mistake is the correct thing to do so good on you Caitlin.To those who wish to judge her for it you demonstrate nothing irrelevant hog wash.Honesty should never be judged in such away.Anyway otherwise no point in people being honest.
I too was wrong on Trump. I
I too was wrong on Trump. I couldn't vote for Hilary and I still can't vote for that lying bitch!
This may not rank up there
This may not rank up there with Lee Atwater's late-life apology to and acceptance-by the African American community for creating the Willie Horton advert. That's because I don't feel as forgiving as they were.
Honey, we told you he's bad news; but you didn't listen. If he erases you (personally) through his latest policy initiatives, you still have a lot to do before I feel anything but schadenfreude for your pain. [I will, of course, continue to work for the repeal of his polices. This is aimed only at Caitlin.]
the apology is way too late.
the apology is way too late.