Caitlyn Jenner, one of the most talked about women in the world, accepted a Glamour Woman of the Year award on Monday, telling an admiring
crowd that she believes she was put on Earth to tell her story and make a
difference in the world.
Jenner, one of a group of honorees that included actress Reese Witherspoon,
dancer Misty Copeland and designer Victoria Beckham, also said that, in case anyone was wondering, "I'm very happy to be living on the other side."
She said that before she had come out as a woman, she stayed home most
of the time. "Now," she said to cheers, "I actually like going out, and being
myself."
Jenner is not the first transgender woman to be a Glamour Woman of the
Year; last year, actress Laverne Cox was honored. Still, Jenner's inclusion
sparked some backlash on social media. "We prefer to focus on the positive,"
Jenner said through a spokesman ahead of the announcement.
Cindi Leive, Glamour's editor-in-chief, told The Associated Press that criticism
of Jenner's inclusion "certainly gives you an appreciation for the hostility to
the trans community that still exists out there."
The annual ceremony at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan mixes high-wattage
celebrities with lesser known names, and this year, the award winners include five women touched by the South Carolina church massacre and lauded in the aftermath as "The Peacemakers of Charleston." Also among those honoured: Entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes, Planned Parenthoood's Cecile Richards and the victorious U.S. women's soccer team.
Copeland, who became the first female African-American principal at
American Ballet Theatre in June, took the opportunity to serve as a role
model in accepting her award.
"Thank you for honoring a black ballerina." To the young girls seated in the
balcony from various schools and girls clubs, she said, "We're trying to set
the best example for you." More photos after the cut....
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