Caitlyn Jenner is receiving backlash from the transgender community.
After the I Am Cait star gave
a speech during a luncheon in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday, she was
confronted by protesters outside the venue. The 65-year-old former
Olympian stopped to address one protester, who over the loudspeaker
could be heard saying, "You are an insult to trans people, you are an
insult to women."
Caitlyn
spoke to a group of 1,000 people at the 7th annual Speaker Series
luncheon for the Chicago House, which provides social services for those
impacted by HIV/AIDS and other LGBT issues.
In a video from the altercation, the reality star appears to try and diffuse the protester, before being escorted away by her security.
"The
chaos outside was a great contrast to the uplifting atmosphere inside
where Caitlyn had just given her speech," B96 Chicago radio personality
Showbiz Shelly, who witnessed the confrontation, tells ET. "I thought
she handled the situation with poise. By confronting the protesters in
the way she did, she emphasized the themes she talked about in her
speech. To be respectful, be brave and stand up for what you believe
in."
The
event's MC, Christina Kahrl, says that Caitlyn was an obvious pick to
headline the fundraiser. "The point was to get people to come and talk
about trans issues," Kahrl tells ET. "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."
"It's
a little frustrating," Kahrl says, that a small group of protesters
showed up at an event to benefit Chicago House's Trans Life Center.
"We've got to raise money to benefit trans Chicagoans, and Caitlyn
Jenner's going to be a great draw."
The group, who dubbed their protest "I Ain't Cait" on Facebook,
explained their issues with Caitlyn stem from economic inequality.
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