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"American's Next Top Model" first transgender model Isis King just called out Caitlyn Jenner for being the epitome of white privilege.
King criticized Jenner in a scathing open letter on Friday which was prompted by "recent headlines about access for trans students." The Trump administration announced roll backs this week of protections for transgender students that were put in place by President Barack Obama. Jenner fired back at Trump in a video response posted Thursday which went viral.
In her letter, King said she ran into Jenner at the TransNation Queen USA Pageant in Los Angeles back in October. She said the two didn't know each other "but of course both being trans women doing public work on behalf of our community, I was looking forward to meeting her."
But instead of exchanging pleasantries when they came face to face, King said "Caitlyn and her handler walked in front of me as if I had not been waiting and straight into the empty elevator." Jenner's handler then allegedly asked 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 said. "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?"
"The amount of privilege that was thrown in my face made me feel so uncomfortable," she added.
King referenced the video Jenner posted on her Twitter page Thursday which called Donald Trump's decision a "disaster."
"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 wrote. "I believe it clouds Caitlyn's ability to actually relate to this community — our community — that she advocates for."
She concluded the letter: "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 most recently appeared on Oxygen's Whoopi Goldberg-produced series "Strut" featuring trans models.
A spokesperson for Jenner has not yet returned TooFab's request for comment.
Read Isis' full letter:
My open letter to you @Caitlyn_Jenner . pic.twitter.com/9rL67JERyH
@MsIsisKing
