I still remember where I was when the Vanity Fair cover was announced on social media and I followed Caitlyn Jenner’s new Twitter account. I remember which Starbucks location I sat in to read the article. And now I will always remember that time I met Caitlyn in-person.
Last week, Caitlyn released her memoir called Secrets of My Life. She kickstarted her press tour by spending time in New York to promote the book. I planned ahead and booked a vacation to coincide with her book signing at Barnes & Noble, which I was super excited about. I have fond memories of seeing Kris from the distance and meeting Jonathan Cheban, so I jumped at the chance to have face time with Caitlyn.
For the last few years, I haven’t liked when people said “good luck” because it lost meaning to me at Western. Acquaintances tossed around the phrase all the time and it usually seemed superficial. Coming from Caitlyn, however, it was special. That’s how our conversation ended after I said I work on her daughters’ games. She still doesn’t know my name, but she knows me and my mom flew in from Toronto to see her.
And it was worth it. Not because of a bucket list or photo op (I really wish it turned out better), but because it puts things in perspective. No matter how much the media sensationalizes the Kardashians and Jenners, they are still people. At the bookstore, Caitlyn was not larger than life. Sure, she towered over me, but she ultimately came across as a woman dedicated to her family and committed to resolving LGBT issues. She seemed more like a humble author than a TV star and that made me like her more.
The meet and greet was a fun experience, but I won’t be satisfied until I meet Kim or one of her sisters.