From the moment she said "I am a woman" on 20/20 this past April, Caitlyn Jenner has taken her role as a transgender woman in the spotlight seriously. So when people wonder if Caitlyn Jenner is an LGBT activist, the answer — whether or not she has ever said those exact words — is very clearly yes. And nothing shows that better than the first episode of I Am Cait. From the opening moments of the series premiere, it's readily apparent that Caitlyn feels a huge responsibility to the transgender community, especially trans youth who face huge challenges. Caitlyn clearly realizes how much of an impact she can make as such a prominent celebrity going through a very public transition.
Throughout the series premiere, Caitlyn cites statistics about suicide among transgender people, repeatedly saying that she wants to help inspire positive change — something that activists obviously do. They use whatever tools they have to support cause and implement change. During I Am Cait, Caitlyn even worries about making as much of an impact as possible, saying things like, "Am I going to say the right things? Do I project the right image? I just hope I get it right. I hope I get it right," as well as, "What can we do to make a difference here?"
Putting her journey in the spotlight on I Am Cait is courageous in itself, and will undoubtedly further Caitlyn's goal just by airing on E! every Sunday. As if that wasn't enough, she is taking things even further by hiring experts on gender diversity and transgender issues as consultants for the series. In a very considerate effort to ensure that these important issues are handled and presented in the best, most beneficial and respectful way possible, some of those experts, like Susan P. Landon, are even appearing on the show and offering their insights.
In addition to all of those efforts, Caitlyn's status as an activist can be summed up in one simple quote from the I Am Cait premiere: "We're going to make a difference in this world, that's my mission." And it's a mission she is wholeheartedly committed to.
Image: James White/E! Entertainment
