Transgender community applauds Caitlyn Jenner's Vanity Fair cover
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Goodbye Bruce Jenner and hello Caitlyn Jenner. The Olympic gold medalist introduced herself on the cover of Vanity Fair on Monday. Many transgender men and women are applauding the move, calling it a moment of tremendous freedom.
Remember, this is sort of an introduction to Jenner's television series "Life as a Transgender Woman," which she started shooting in May.
By Monday afternoon, Jenner had set a world record for being the fastest account to ever reach 1 million followers.
In four hours she reached 1 million followers on Twitter. She tweeted, "Another Jenner world record, and at 65? Who'da thought!"
It is destined to be one of the most iconic magazine covers of this century, shot by Annie Leibovitz.
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The transition from Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn was made public just two months after speaking to ABC's Diane Sawyer.
During the interview Jenner said, "For all intents and purposes, I am a woman."
The 65-year-old Jenner appeared Monday on Twitter with a new handle. She tweeted: "I'm so happy after such a long struggle to be living my true self. Welcome to the world Caitlyn. Can't wait for you to get to know her/me."
Jenner will be featured in 22-page cover story in the Vanity Fair issue out June 9.
"Bruce, he was always had to tell a lie, he was always living that lie," Jenner said. "Every day, he always had a secret, from morning 'til night. Caitlyn doesn't have any secrets. As soon as the Vanity Fair cover comes out, I'm free."
The physique of the Olympic gold medalist seems now just a memory. Jenner has been slowly evolving before her public.
PHOTOS: Bruce Jenner through the years
Many in the local transgender community praised Jenner's announcement.
"It gives us somebody to look up to," said Janet Halfin. "There's a bigger peer, there's someone that is notable."
Tiffany Woods added, "You're bringing it out of the dark, you're bringing the visibility, and that's powerful. We know nothing is as powerful as the media visibility."
In a statement, GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis said, "By sharing her journey with the world, Caitlyn Jenner is accelerating acceptance of transgender people everywhere."
"We're going to make a difference in the world with what we're doing," said Jenner during the interview with Sawyer.
VIDEO: Bruce Jenner's transgender announcement inspires others
Jenner's children were quick to congratulate Jenner on the cover.
"We were given this life because you were strong enough to live it! I couldn't be prouder!!! Caitlyn, You are beautiful!!!" step-daughter Khloe Kardashian posted on Instagram.
"Now that's a cover," daughter Kendall, who works as a model, posted.
"My angel on earth! #caitlyn," posted Kylie Jenner.
Daughter Kendall Jenner tweeted, "be free now pretty bird."
"Freedom! Stunning. #Caitlyn," Kourtney Kardashian wrote.
"Caitlyn Jenner for Vanity Fair Annie Leibovitz! How beautiful! Be happy, be proud, live life YOUR way!," Kim Kardashian wrote in a tweet.
Jenner will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at this year's ESPYS on July 15. The award is given each year to an individual whose contributions transcend sports.
"Bruce has received many accolades over the years for being one of the greatest Olympians of our time, but The ESPYS are honored to celebrate Bruce becoming Caitlyn," ESPYS executive producer Maura Mandt said in a press release. "She has shown the courage to embrace a truth that had been hidden for years, and to embark on a journey that may not only give comfort to those facing similar circumstances, but can also help to educate people on the challenges that the transgender community faces."
