“I Am Cait” - Meeting Cait

Caitlyn Jenner has a big responsibility. And nobody understands this responsibility more than Jenner herself.

Being someone whose transition is being televised, she’s expected to speak on behalf of the trans-community and be the spokesperson for all trans people. The pressure that holds on her is apparent in the first episode of I Am Cait.

In the episode, there are a lot of heartfelt moments as she meets her closest family members for the first time. One of the most emotional is when her mother describes how proud she was watching her win gold at the Olympics, and how she didn’t think she could be prouder, but here she is. 

On top of this, she goes to meet the family of a teen who recently committed suicide. This was part of the episode taking focus on how difficult it is on anyone, at any age, to come out and transition. Thus once again highlighting the importance of what Caitlyn is doing. 

We can also see how difficult it is for someone so in the spotlight (like having to change cars three times to get from one location to another [at the time of filming a photograph of her was priced at $250k]).

I think she put it the most eloquently right at the beginning of the episode: “I feel a tremendous responsibility here. Because I have a voice and there are so many trans people out there who do not have a voice. I can’t speak for them because everybody has their own experience. But I am an expert on my story.”

I saw a few articles saying that the show shouldn’t focus too much on the Kardashian side of the family, as that may take away from what good this show could do. I completely disagree with this sentiment. Those girls are her daughters. She has been there for them growing up, and introducing herself to them is equally important as with anybody else.

Overall I found the first episode touching and heartwarming and I look forward to seeing how she continues to grow as her true self. Congrats to Caitlyn, it’s nice to meet you.