Arts & Entertainment
Trans model Isis King slams Caitlyn Jenner’s transgender advocacy
the ‘Strut’ cast member writes ‘we do not need you to save us’
Transgender model Isis King is calling out Caitlyn Jenner for not grasping the intersectionality that comes along with advocating for transgender issues.
Jenner released a video addressing President Donald Trump about his decision to revoke federal guidelines protecting transgender students. At the end of the video, Jenner urges Trump to call her to discuss LGBT issues.
King, 31, penned an open letter to Jenner after the video was released and says she’s not convinced Jenner is the one for the job.
“I just saw the clip of Caitlyn calling out Donald Trump and it reminded me that internal issues of color and class within the trans community have to be dealt with,” King writes. “I believe it clouds Caitlyn’s ability to actually relate to this community — our community — that she advocates for.”
“Caitlyn: I have, like so many women of color, helped blazed trails for our sisters, brothers and siblings, and I have seen how you treated me. We do not need you to save us,” King continued.
Back in October, King says the two were both at the TransNation Queen USA Pageant in Los Angeles. While King says she was “looking forward” to meeting Jenner because they were both doing service for the community, an incident at the elevator changed her views on the former Olympian.
“Caitlyn and her handler walked in front of me as if I had not been waiting and straight into the empty elevator,” King writes.
The woman ushering King then allegedly joined Jenner and her assistant telling King, “I’m sorry. Can you wait until the next one comes?”
“I was completely stunned because the elevator could clearly hold at least eight people,” King continued. “I could not believe this happened to me, and immediately felt as if I had just been told to move to the back of the bus. It was as if I was not good enough, not worthy enough, not rich enough, not famous enough to ride with these three white women. Wasn’t I also there as a special guest?”
King, a native of Prince George’s County, Maryland, competed on Cycle 17 of “America’s Next Top Model.” She also appears on “Strut,” a reality show that follows transgender models working in the industry.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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