Caitlyn Jenner On Paparazzi, Criticism & Being Transgender: I can take criticism.

Last year, Caitlyn Jenner became one of the biggest names in pop culture for her courage to come out as a transgender woman. For her courage, she was named Glamour’s “Women of the Year” and received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s. The world watched as Caitlyn and her famous family struggled with the transition on her own hit reality show, I Am Cait. In a recent interview with The Advocate, Caitlyn continues to share more of her journey. Check out a few excerpts.

On being labeled a spokesperson for the transgender community:

The media has kind of labeled me as the spokesperson for the trans community. That is not the case. I am only a spokesperson for my own journey. After that, I know nothing. Am I learning a lot? Absolutely….I’m just trying to do my best, that’s all.

On dealing with criticism from others since coming out:

I can live authentically. I can handle anything. I can take criticism. I honestly don’t have a problem with it. Just don’t criticize [my] kids that are dealing with this. From that standpoint, it’s been good. I never expected as positive a response as I’ve gotten.

On her becoming her own woman:

So there is so much in life that I need to learn about who I am and be authentic with myself. But I never want to assume that this whole thing called womanhood, that I could ever experience all of that. I will be able to live authentically as female, but I’ve missed so much.

What she’s learned from Kim when it comes to dealing with the paparazzi:

Kimberly [Kardashian West] says, ‘If you do go out, you’ve got to rock it, baby!’ You cannot let [the paparazzi] get that picture. They’ll take a picture of you with no makeup on, lousy outfit — and they’ll use it forever. You’ll never get rid of it. Kim’s very good at that stuff. It does take a little bit more work if you do go out. You’ve got to at least look good, at least the best you can.

By –@authorsequaia