Caitlyn Jenner is headed to Cleveland to talk to LGBT Republicans, but the former Olympian won’t be speaking at the GOP convention. Instead, Jenner will address a “big tent” gathering two days before the main event at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum.
Hosted by the conservative group American Unity Fund, the brunch and Q&A will discuss the need for the party to become more LGBT welcoming. Former talk show host Montel Williams, who has repeatedly said he will not support Donald Trump’s candidacy, will introduce Jenner and host the event.
Jenner, who previously announced her support for vociferous homophobic candidate Ted Cruz and expressed admiration for presumptive nominee Donald Trump, said she will appear to bolster support for LGBT rights inside the party.
“The party conventions are like the political Olympics, and I’m excited to be headed to Cleveland to stand with my fellow LGBT Republicans and allies,” Jenner said in a statement sent to The Daily Beast. “As a proud Republican and transgender woman, I want to support courageous Republicans who advocate for LGBT freedom. Our country’s nondiscrimination laws must be updated and this cannot be achieved without bipartisan support. Congress needs to act, along with almost thirty Republican states, to update our nondiscrimination laws. I want to do my part to persuade more Republicans to support freedom for millions of LGBT Americans.”
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While Trump originally opposed North Carolina’s HB2 law which requires transgender people to use the restroom that corresponds with the gender listed on their birth certificate, saying Jenner could use the correct bathroom at any of his properties, last week the candidate backtracked and expressed support for the law. Trump has remained “hands off” LGBT issues as delegates write the party’s platform.
