Caitlyn Jenner's public transition has been largely celebrated by friends, family, and the media—but the process wasn't easy. The 66-year-old former Olympian is Glamour's Woman of the Year, but less than a year ago she was still living life as Bruce Jenner and suffering from depression.
Caitlyn says that being in the public eye during her transition put an enormous amount of pressure on her, and she contemplated suicide when paparazzi took photos of her leaving the doctor after a trachea operation. The star recalls thinking about the gun in her house and saying "Go in there, no more pain," but she eventually had a change of heart. "I thought, 'OK, you transition, big deal! You are still alive. You have to make your life interesting.'"
Caitlyn eventually transitioned in the most public way possible, and her willingness to document the process has enormously helped the trans community. "I am just excited about the future for the first time in a long, long time," she says. "And that is a nice feeling to have…To be honest with you, if the worst thing in the world that happens to you is you are trans, you've got it made."
As one of the most inspiring women in sports and entertainment, Caitlyn may have it made—but let's not forget that getting there didn't always come easy.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
These Brushes Will Completely Change How You Apply MakeupThe Kevyn Aucoin The Duet Foundation Brush is our desert island pick.
-
Channing Tatum Says He YouTubed How to Braid Daughter Everly's Hair When He Became a Single Dad
Two words: Girl. Dad.
-
'SATC' Star Evan Handler Says He'll "Welcome" Kim Cattrall's Return on His TV Set
She didn't see anyone while filming her cameo.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
