Vanity Fair's Buzz Bissinger on Caitlyn Jenner's introduction
Caitlyn Jenner introduced herself to the world this week in a Vanity Fair cover story with a simple and straightforward "Call me Caitlyn." The phrase became a hashtag instantly and has been trending worldwide ever since. Jenner's public transformation has sparked a cultural conversation and is a significant breakthrough for transgender visibility in America.
The 22-page article was penned by Vanity Fair contributing editor and Pulitzer Prize winner Buzz Bissinger, who says it's the most remarkable story he's worked on in 38 years.
"The Caitlyn that I have gotten to know is open, is alive, is free," Bissinger said on "CBS This Morning" Tuesday. "Bruce Jenner was never free."
Bissinger, 60, remembers the 1976 Olympics and said at the time Bruce Jenner was the "savior of the country." For him this "juxtaposition of identities" is a sensitive and important story that doesn't happen all the time.
Bissinger has seen many changes in the past two months with Caitlyn Jenner, who he says has a demeanor that Bruce Jenner never had.
"Caitlyn is alive--and making emotional connections," Bissinger said.
Bissinger said Jenner is nervous about criticism but also gratified by the acceptance from her family and the explosion of support on social media. Caitlyn Jenner broke Barack Obama's previous Twitter record by acquiring 1 million followers in four hours, and the following and support continues to grow.
Looking forward Bissinger said Jenner is excited about the future, which will include the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs and a new docu-series on the E!.
"Jenner has the potential to have a legacy," Bissinger said. "An athlete that has made social change."