Cailtlyn Jenner makes feelings clear on gender pronoun row after being branded ‘he’ by US TV star
Caitlyn Jenner has reignited the gender pronoun row after admitting she doesn’t believe in “forcing” people to refer to her as a “she” following her transition in 2015.
The trans woman, 75, has sparked criticism recently for her support of President Donald Trump, backing his move to ban trans athletes from women’s sports.
This week, Jenner sparked a fresh debate after responding to a post on X about her pronouns.
It came as Piers Morgan slammed a CNN interview with trans athlete CeCe Telfer, writing: “Absurd CNN interview just now with trans sprinter CeCe Telfer, treating her like some poor victim of Trump’s ban on trans athletes in women’s sport.
“She was born male, looks & speaks like a man, runs like a man, and is smashing women’s records. She’s not a victim, she’s a cheat.”
In response, US political activist and swimmer Riley Gaines posted: “He* was born male, looks & speaks like a man, runs like a man, and is smashing women’s records. He’s* not a victim, he’s* a cheat. Clear language please, @piersmorgan.”
She uses male pronouns when speaking about me. While I prefer the female pronouns, that is entirely her prerogative and decision. I do not believe in forcing people to use specific language.
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) February 18, 2025
While dismissing a person’s preferred gender identity is largely deemed hateful in the trans community, Jenner seemed to back Gaines when she waded into the conversation.
Responding to the swimmer, Morgan asked on X: “Out of interest, Riley, do you call @Caitlyn_Jenner he or she?”
“She uses male pronouns when speaking about me,” Jenner answered, adding: “While I prefer the female pronouns, that is entirely her prerogative and decision.
“I do not believe in forcing people to use specific language.”
Jenner’s statement sparked division from X users, with one writing: “This is why @Caitlyn_Jenner is such a great person!
“It’s simple just live your life and do not sweat the unimportant stuff. Who cares what someone you don’t know refers to you as… Try this one hi I’m Tyrus what’s your name…”
“Honestly when you first transitioned, I thought you were doing it for publicity and trying to stay relevant. You’ve proven me wrong and I respect you now. I have VERY strong feelings about trans, but going forward I’ll respect your pronouns Ms Jenner,” another responded.
“BOOM. Mad respect Caitlyn,” a third praised, with one more adding: “You won your golds fairly. That’s all @Riley_Gaines_ wants these people to do. Thanks for always being so reasonable despite the personal nature of the topic. Helps a lot, I think.”
However, others disagreed, with one writing: “Much of the normalization of genderism started when Jenner splashed himself on the cover of Vanity Fair (w/ Annie Leibovitz’s help), accepted Glamour’s ‘Woman of the Year’ award, and proclaimed sex differences don’t matter in golf. Does anyone still care what he thinks?”
Another fumed: “She does this s*** to herself, absolutely dehumanizing herself to accommodate a transphobe that doesn’t even believe she should exist. Conservatism is indeed a mental disease.” (sic)
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Earlier this month, Jenner threw her support behind President Trump signing an executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports.
The order, titled Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, was signed at the White House during a ceremony which was witnessed by several female athletes as well as children.
It follows recent orders restricting military service and youth healthcare for trans individuals.