Caitlyn Jenner was jeered by transgender protesters Thursday in Chicago after delivering a speech at a fundraiser, and many in the angry mob accused her of not being a proper advocate for the trans community.
After speaking on behalf of a program that provides services for the LGBT community and those with HIV/AIDS, Jenner faced emotional protesters who were upset and claiming that the "I Am Cait" reality star has not faced the hardships that others in the
transgender community have, according to People magazine.
"You are an insult to trans people," one protester shouted at Jenner, 66, outside the Hilton Chicago Hotel where she spoke. "You have no right to represent us. You are an insult . . . We have been assaulted by police . . . We have been violated by the system."
Jenner reportedly stopped and tried talking to the protestors, but she was eventually led away by security, People noted.
Christina Kahrl, the host of the event, defended the choice to have Jenner be
part of the program, according to ETOnline.com.
"The point was to get people to come and talk about trans issues," Kahrl told ET about the event that benefited Chicago House's Trans Life Center. "Because she's been the subject of media scrutiny for decades, she's in a unique position to take whatever criticism she gets for speaking out on behalf of trans people who need help. She owns the fact that she has a ton of privilege."
Monica James, one of the Jenner protesters, told the Chicago Tribune, though, that the Chicago House and Jenner were not representative of everyone in the transgender movement.
"Make the services and make this movement and this plea for trans tolerance intentional and direct for the people who are facing the violence every day on the streets, the people who are being discriminated against on the basis of their gender and their race at the same time," James said. "[Jenner] can't speak to those struggles. It defaces the real truth behind transitioning."
Stan Sloan, chief executive of the Chicago House, said that, while understanding Jenner is lightning rod for criticism, she has a unique perspective as a transgender person.