Caitlyn Jenner a role model, says Winnipeg transgender woman

A Winnipeg transgender woman said she's proud of Caitlyn Jenner's very public debut this week.

"She's a role model. She's going to be a role model for a lot of people," said Trish McNorgan.

Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner, made international headlines on the cover of Vanity Fair on Monday with photos by famous photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Jenner announced plans to transition earlier this year at age 65.

McNorgan also transitioned later in life. She was born male and for decades she lived two distinct lives with separate personalities.

"It was hard. Probably the hardest thing that I've ever had to do," she said.

McNorgan decided at age 58 to transition into a woman.

"You're longing and wanting to be another gender, but you really, for whatever reasons, you can't do it. When it finally happens, it's euphoria," she said.

Winnipegger Theo DeSilva is also championing Jenner's public transition.

He was born a girl and about two years ago made the decision to transition from female to male.

The 20 year old hopes the publicity Jenner has garnered will help set an example for others thinking about transitioning.

"It shows them that this is everyday life," said DeSilva. "She is going on and living her days and had the money to transition. I think it's just very positive to see it in the media."