Bruce Jenner has officially confirmed that he is transgender, saying that he has "always" dreamed of being a woman. In his highly anticipated tell-all interview with Diane Sawyer, 65-year-old Bruce said stated: "I am a woman" and went on to describe that he has known his true identity from an early age, how his family reacted to the news and what his plans are for the future. "My heart and my soul and everything I do in life, it is part of me, that female side is part of me," the former Olympian told Diane. "That's who I am. I was not genetically born that way but we identify as female.
During the emotional interview Bruce Jenner stated: "I am a woman"
"That's very hard for Bruce Jenner to say," he added, speaking about himself in the third person. "Because I don't want to disappoint people."The emotional interview prompted an outpouring of support for Bruce, from stars including Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey and Cara Delevingne – as well as from his nearest and dearest."Understandingly, this has been very hard for me," tweeted Bruce's 17-year-old daughter Kylie Jenner. "You will hear what I have to say when I'm ready to but this isn't about me. I'm so proud of you, Dad. You are so brave. My beautiful Hero."
Kylie Jenner shared a throwback photo of her dad ahead of his interview on Friday
Kylie's elder sister Kendall echoed the reality TV's statement, simply saying: "I love you. So very proud of you, my hero."Bruce, who has six biological children but also considers himself father to Kris's four kids with Robert Kardashian, said that it is his stepdaughter Khloé Kardashian who has taken the news the hardest. "You would think out of all the kids Khloé is the most fun and open minded," he said. "That is not the case with Khloé. She has had the toughest time with it. She had had a lot of losses in her life. She lost her father at a young age, he died suddenly of cancer. Lamar had his issues. She feels like this 'My whole life is falling apart, It's my Dad'. I can't argue that point but I'm not going anywhere. I'm still going to be here for you."
Bruce's children (L-R) Burt, Brody, Casey and Brandon spoke out in support of their father
Bruce, who admitted he had been "terrified" to break the news to his kids, was supported during the show by his four oldest children; Burt, 36, Casey, 34, Brandon, 33, and Brody, 31."I feel like I'm getting an upgraded version of my dad, of a parent." said Brandon, who was the first of Bruce's children to find out. "Obviously there are parts of it that aren't easy [but] I'm just proud and honored to be a part of the family. "Bruce added that it was Kim's husband Kanye who helped her cope with the change. "Kim told me a story," Bruce told Diane. "She said they were talking about it and he said to Kim, "I can be married to the most beautiful woman in the world, and I am. I could have the most beautiful little daughter in the world, and I have that, but I'm nothing if I can't be me and true to myself." Since then, Kimberly has been by far the most accepting and easiest to talk to. "Looking to the future Bruce said his life is now about being true to himself. "I just can't pull the curtain any longer as to why now," he said. "Bruce lives a lie, she is not a lie.
Kim Kardashian: "Love is the courage to live the truest, best version of yourself. Bruce is love. I love you Bruce. #ProudDaughter"
"I'm saying goodbye to people's perception of me and who I am. I'm not saying goodbye to me because this has always been me."In a final message to those around the world who would hear his story, Bruce asked: "When you think of me, please be open-minded and have an open heart. I'm not a bad person, I'm just doing what I have to do."
