Caitlyn Jenner 'very exciting' for trans Kiwis

Ateyva Goldsmith wants the Rotorua community to be more accepting of the transgender community. Photo / Ben Fraser

Life isn't like Keeping up with the Kardashians but for a small group of people in Rotorua the public debut of Caitlyn Jenner means life could change for them.

Ateyva Goldsmith has been living as a woman since she was 13.

She said the public debut of Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, on the front cover of Vanity Fair this week, was "very exciting" for people like her.

"I've followed Keeping up with the Kardashians," she said.

"I've always known there was something about Bruce. When we saw him as Caitlyn we had our mouths wide open. I congratulate her for that, she has found her place in the world and finally she can be herself."

Miss Goldsmith knew as a child that she was different. She said her mother knew when she was three, but growing up in Minginui she did not feel she could be herself.

At 13, she moved to Auckland with family and started making the transition. She has lived in Rotorua for 15 years and is one of a small community of transwomen - people who were born male but live as women. There are at least 11 she knows of, including six who are aged 17 or younger.

"Growing up as a woman trapped in a man's body is very hard, especially when homophobia is very alive here in Rotorua."

She says she hopes the awareness around what it means to be transgender means she and other transwomen can be accepted.

"She has given us awareness. Other people say it's awesome [for Caitlyn] but I don't think they truly understand. I've a lot of sisters who find it very hard. I found my own way. I used to get things thrown at me but I stood my ground.

"We want people to be more accepting, be more understanding. Don't put us on a pedestal, but involve us."

Miss Goldsmith is unemployed and she said she experienced a lot of discrimination from members of the public when working in a customer service environment.

"I don't want drama, I just want to live my life."