During a two-and-a-half hour interview with US ABC correspondent Diane Sawyer, Bruce Jenner confirmed his gender transition publicly for the first time. The 65-year-old was bravely honest throughout the interview in which he announced, “for all intents and purposes, I am a woman.”
The statement came after months of media speculation which a teary Jenner admitted had been difficult for him, saying, “My whole life has been getting me ready for this. It’s not just the last few years where they’ve been treating me as a joke.”
The ABC was adamant to provide only vague promotions and brief descriptions ahead of the interview being aired to give Jenner the chance to speak for himself first: a move that was applauded by the LGBT community. In a voiceover, Sawyer confirmed this would be the last interview Jenner will do as ‘Bruce’ so he can remerge ‘as myself’ in his own words.
During and after the interview was televised in the US on Friday evening, celebrity support for the former Olympic champion flooded social media, including from the Kardashian clan who have, out of respect for Jenner, been silent on the matter for months.
Kim Kardashian-West, who Jenner described as, “the easiest to talk to about it”, was one of the first, taking to Twitter to say, “Love is the courage to live the truest, best version of yourself. Bruce is love. I love you Bruce. #ProudDaughter.”
Daughter Kylie Jenner said, “Understandingly, this has been very hard for me. You will hear what I have to say when I’m ready to but this isn’t about me. I’m so proud of you, Dad. You are so brave. My beautiful Hero,” while a similarly-supportive Kendall shared simply, “I love you. so very proud of you, my hero.”
Son Brandon, who joined his wife Leah and siblings Burt, Brody and Casey on the interview to support their father tweeted, “Proud Son,” while Khloe Kardashian said, “Just finished watching the #BruceJennerInterview with the family. Bruzer, I’m soooo proud of you! Dads really are heros.”
Kris Jenner took the opportunity to break her silence and offer her support said, “No only was I able to call him my husband for 25 years and father of my children, I am now able to call him my hero.”
It wasn’t just Bruce’s family who took to social to share their support either. Lena Dunham told Hollywoodlife at the Variety Power of Women event in NYC, “The interview is going to mean a lot to a lot of young people. I think it’s an incredibly powerful and brave move to disclose anything about your gender identity or sexuality in such a judgmental society.” Lena also shared her support on Instagram with a snap from the interview and a caption reading: “Dear Bruce Jenner: Your words will have an incredible effect on so many… Not just people struggling with our culture’s restrictive and binary concept of gender, but anyone experiencing shame around what they perceive as their “otherness.” The bravery it takes to face an often unforgiving public and speak openly about your identity is stunning and to be celebrated. I hope we can all show you our best selves and meet your honesty with love and compassion. You are beautiful in whatever form you choose to inhabit. Congratulations. Love, Lena”
Ellen DeGeneres, Cara Delevinge, Lady Gaga, Andy Cohen, Oprah Winfrey, and more spread the love:
“Today, millions of people learned that someone they know is transgender,” said GLAAD (a US media force that works with print, broadcast and online news sources to bring people stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality) President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “By sharing this story, Bruce Jenner has shined a light on what it means to be transgender and live authentically in the face of unimaginable public scrutiny. Though Jenner’s journey is one that is deeply personal, it is also one that will impact and inspire countless people around the world.”
It was also confirmed over the weekend that Bruce will be the subject of an 8-episode docuseries set to air this summer (in the US) on E!. It is yet to be known whether the series will air in Australia.
Watch some of the interview below:
Note: This story refers to Bruce Jenner with his birth name and male pronouns, because he has not yet indicated that he prefers a new name or pronoun.
