Caitlyn Jenner Opens Up About Her Journey to Self-Acceptance

Caitlyn Jenner described how she sought religious counsel to deal with her internal struggles ahead of her transition as she accepted an award at Glamour magazine’s 25th annual Women of the Year awards on Monday.

Jenner, 66, said she suffered through many years of “isolation” before she was able to be comfortable living as herself.

“I sat down with my pastor, talked to him about my issues,” Jenner said, according to People. “And yes, I had a lot of conversations with God. I came to the conclusion: You know what? Maybe this is why God put me on this earth—to tell my story. To be authentic to myself, to who I am. And maybe in doing that, maybe you can make a difference in the world. What a great opportunity in life to have.”

Jenner said she was grateful for the support of her family throughout her very public transition. She came out as transgender in an interview with Diane Sawyer last spring, just weeks before revealing herself as Caitlyn on the cover of Vanity Fair. Jenner also starred in her own reality TV series on E! and received the Arthur Ashe award for courage at this year’s ESPYs.

For so many years, she said on Monday, “I lost my enthusiasm for life. Literally, sitting in my house for almost six years. Because I never really wanted to come out—just to go to work, that was about it. Now, actually, I like going out. And I like being myself. And in doing that, it’s been an amazing the opportunity we have for change, for people to understand this issue because it’s so difficult.”

Caitlyn has been an advocate for LGBT issues in the wake of her transition. Her daughter Kylie, 18, joined her at the Glamour ceremony.