Caitlyn Jenner Talks with Protesters Who Say She's 'an Insult to Trans People'

Caitlyn Jenner attempted to defuse the situation at the Chicago House

Photo: Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune/TNS/Getty

Caitlyn Jenner was met with backlash from certain members of the transgender community Thursday in Chicago.

The I Am Cait star was in the Windy City to give a speech at the Chicago House fundraiser luncheon at the Hilton hotel. The speaker series is the nonprofit’s annual event that aims to raise funds to provide services to those with HIV/AIDS, as well as the LGBT community.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the former Olympian spoke about her experience coming out as a transgender woman to a “rapt audience,” discussing her gender identity struggle, family and life after her transition.

“Maybe this is the reason that God put me on this earth, to tell my story, to help other people because this is bigger than anything,” Jenner said. “The Olympics, it’s a game, we play the game, we win or lose. This story is about life.”

However, once outside, Jenner was confronted by a handful of protesters arguing against her as an appropriate advocate for the community. In a video captured on the scene, one protester can be heard saying, “You are an insult to trans people. You have no right to represent us. You are an insult. … We have been assaulted by police We have been violated by the system.”

As seen in the video, Jenner, 66, stopped and attempted to defuse the situation with conversation before being escorted away by her security.

Jenner, who is filming season 2 of her E! docuseries, was recognized for her advocacy work in the LGBT community at Glamour magazine’s 25th annual Women of the Year awards Monday night, where she was hailed as “The Trans Champion.”

“Of all the things I’ve done in my life, Caity is why God put me on this earth: to tell my story; to be honest with myself about who I am,” Jenner said during her acceptance speech. “And in doing that, making a difference in the world. And I’m very happy to be living on the other side.”

Jenner also thanked the trans pioneers that paved the way before her: “I could not have done this without the people who have gone before me: the Laverne Coxs of the world, the Janet Mocks,” she said. “What I have learned about this community is what a great group of women there are out there, who have worked so hard to be authentic to themselves and authentic to womanhood.”