6 Reasons Caitlyn Jenner's Cover Is Important

In a landmark moment, Caitlyn Jenner (formerly known as Bruce Jenner) is on the July 2015 Vanity Fair cover, and it marks a monumental step for the LGBT community. The outpouring of love and support for Caitlyn has been overwhelming and immediate from the onset. The process of coming out as transgender isn't easy, even in the most private and supportive of environments, and the fact that Caitlyn has been so open about her journey to begin presenting as a woman is a truly inspiring thing.

The road that led to Caitlyn feeling open and free to finally be herself was a very long and very painful one, according to Jenner, but it seems like she is finally reaping the benefits of her bravery in making the journey such a public one. Caitlyn looks positively radiant on her cover, and I can only imagine the relief and joy she must feel after finally getting to be herself after so many years of having to hide from the world.

There is something surreal about living through moments that you know will make the history books, and seeing Caitlyn's cover is one such moment. It's wonderful to see Caitlyn's Vanity Fair cover and know that somewhere out there, a kid who is afraid of being who they really are might see this and gain the courage to start their own journey.

Caitlyn's cover is such an important moment for these six reasons and so many more. I applaud her for having the strength to weather this battle and find her happiness.

1. Transitioning in the Public Eye Takes Major Guts

The process of transitioning is obviously a difficult one for a transgender person and their loved ones. It requires endless amounts of patience, support, and unconditional love. The fact that Caitlyn has made her journey so public is absolutely remarkable, because that requires even more courage than making this journey in private.

2. She's Sticking It To The Ageists

Hollywood is a notoriously ageist industry, especially towards women. The fact that Caitlyn, as a transgender woman in her 60s, is gracing the cover of Vanity Fair in a photograph taken by Annie Leibovitz is an important one. And it is her happiness that makes her absolutely stunning — even more than just her glamorous wardrobe and beautiful makeup do.

3. She's A Role Model For Others Struggling with Gender Identity

Caitlyn Jenner has received an overwhelming amount of media attention and, while it might seem like overkill, the exposure that this story is getting is such a blessing. It serves to inspire hope in anyone struggling with gender identity, and let them know that they are not alone.

4. She's Creating a More Open-Minded Public

Our society, for the most part, is slowly evolving into being a bit more liberal and accepting as time goes on. Caitlyn's public journey seems to have sped up that process tenfold. I never thought I would see such an remarkably positive and supportive response from the public to a transgender individual so soon, and it's so wonderful to see how Caitlyn is helping shape a more loving, accepting society.

5. She Is Just So Freaking Fabulous

It is no small feat to transition into presenting as a woman with the world watching. It is an even more impressive feat to transition into presenting as a woman who looks so radiantly beautiful. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, considering that she is a prominent member in what is basically the most stylish family to walk the planet.

6. Caitlyn Has Shut Down All the Haters

Our always-plugged-in, Internet-savvy society has made it so that everyone feels like they have to share their every opinion with the world. The anonymity of the Internet also produces, in some people, an elevated sense of self-importance. This leads to cyber bullying and an overwhelming display of negativity, particularly on social media. Caitlyn's transition has, shockingly, seemed to stifle some of the negativity that usually surrounds pop culture stories. Sure, there are still a few close-minded trolls who pop up every now and agin, but Caitlyn's bravery seems to have shocked the rest of them into submission. What could be more historic than that?

Images: Vanity Fair/YouTube; Giphy (6)