Caitlyn Jenner gave a speech during a luncheon for Chicago House on Thursday, a nonprofit organization that provides social services such as housing, employment assistance, and medical care to those affected by HIV/AIDS and LGBT issues. However, when Jenner arrived at the event, she was bombarded by protesters who called the reality star an insult to trans people and an insult to women, saying that she “has no right to represent” them. In the above video obtained by Entertainment Tonight, you can see Jenner clash with the protesters as she attempts to mitigate the situation.
Jenner’s coming out as a high-profile trans woman and de facto spokesperson has received a mixed reception in the LGBT community, with many pointing out that she truly does not understand the struggles many go through. It did not help that her stances on gay marriage have been eyebrow-raising, to say the least. The group protesting the event explained the reason for their protest on a Facebook event page titled “I Ain’t Cait.”
Chicago House, a nonprofit who claims to support those of us in the LGBTQ community who experience marginalization, homelessness, and economic exploitation, is holding a fundraiser this Thursday.
Who, you may ask, did they select to speak on the issues facing trans people and especially trans women in our city? Caitlyn Jenner, who lives in a mansion and has a net worth of millions of dollars, while the average trans person has a 41 percent chance of experiencing homelessness and a nearly 50 percent chance of living off less than $10k per year.
A staunch Republican, Jenner has admonished social services in the past, even saying on her reality show I Am Cait: “You don’t want people to get totally dependent on it… ‘Why should I work? You know, I’ve got a few bucks, I’ve got my room paid for.’ ” Given the nature of the organization Jenner was speaking at, it’s hard to say that her words don’t come off as hypocritical.
The organizer of the Chicago House event, however, Christina Kahrl, maintains that they went with the right choice to have Jenner speak, citing that the entire point was to raise money for the trans community, and that Jenner was a “great draw.”
(Via Entertainment Tonight)