Yesterday’s performance by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles at the LA LGBT Center ended with some drama in the audience as trans activist Ashlee Marie Preston confronted Caitlyn Jenner for her support of Donald Trump.
“It’s really f–ked up that you are here,” Preston told Jenner during the encounter, which can be seen in the video above. “Some people may be afraid to confront you for being here, but I am not … You are directly responsible for what has happened with transgender soldiers and the military. I am not afraid to say it to you, I am not. I am not afraid.”
Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner, was a celebrated Olympic gold medal-winning athlete before coming out in 2015 as a transgender woman. Publicity about her transition has led to her being called the most famous transgender woman in the world.
Jenner has sparked controversy in the LGBT community for voting for Donald Trump as president and for her Republican conservative views. Jenner, however, has criticized Trump for revoking a federal requirements that transgender students be allowed to use the school restroom matching their gender identity. Jenner also has criticized Trump for his decision to no longer allow transgender people to serve in the U.S. military.
Preston, who is editor of Wear Your Voice, an online feminist magazine, is known for speaking up loudly on transgender and African-American rights issues. She appeared before the West Hollywood City Council on Aug. 21 to condemn Ed Buck, a noted local white political donor and activist, after a young black man was found dead in his apartment from a drug overdose.
In a Facebook post Preston criticized the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles for letting Jenner purchase a ticket to the event, which was a performance of “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust” at the LA LGBT Center’s Renberg Theatre. “Really Trans Chorus of Los Angeles — TCLA? You had to take Caitlyn Jenner’s money and invite her here? … #CashOverCommunity.”
As is shown in the video above, Dena Williams, a member of the Trans Chorus board, attempts to interrupt the encounter. “You are a fraud,” Preston said as Jenner turned to leave the theatre.
