Speaking at the University of Pennsylvania on Wednesday, former Olympian-turned-reality-tv-star Caitlyn Jenner told the audience that she received more criticism for her political views than she did for transitioning from a man into a woman. She then elaborated that conservatism was part of her "core beliefs," which did not change along with her gender.
After a question from a student, the former Olympic runner Bruce Jenner and Kardashian husband-turned-I Am Cait star Jenner admitted “I have gotten more flack for being a conservative Republican than I have for being trans.”
A student had asked why Jenner wasn’t an ardent Democrat, given the party’s embrace of transgender rights. As journalist and author Buzz Bissinger, who was listed as the evening’s interviewer but was often unable to get a word in edgewise, said, “Just because you change gender doesn’t mean you change your core beliefs.”
Twitter users were not at all surprised by this admission:
Not surprising at all that Caitlyn Jenner gets more flak for being a Republican than she does for being trans. https://t.co/fQZAVPaAOZ
— Chris Barron (@ChrisRBarron) February 18, 2016
@NYDNgossip @redsteeze I can easily believe that. Group think on the left does not tolerate anything approaching independent thought.
— Nancy (@FairTaxNancy001) February 18, 2016
@ENews that's because there's nothing wrong with being trans, but a fucking lot wrong with being a republican
— Kenicke (@oceansofstars) February 18, 2016
Well, yeah. RT @NYDNgossip: Caitlyn Jenner: I get more 'flak' for being a Republican than being a transgender woman. https://t.co/YQD06UUCCM
— Hawthorn M. (@tenearthimps) February 18, 2016
And frankly, neither am I.
People should be respected, regardless of the political affiliation or gender identity. That's just basic human politeness. It's rude to give Jenner "flack" for either of these things, but it's rather telling that people feel comfortable with insulting her political beliefs.