- In an exploration into the world of “What Ifs,” we’re diving into a fascinating scenario involving Caitlyn Jenner, a figure who has lived much of her life in the public eye.
- Imagine, if you will, Caitlyn at 74 years old, had she never undergone any plastic surgery.
- In this speculative journey, we’ll rely on advanced AI imagery to bring this scenario to life, offering visuals of Caitlyn at 74, untouched by surgical enhancements.
Caitlyn Jenner attends a “In Conversation with… Drinks Event” on October 4, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Caitlyn Jenner, an Olympic gold medalist, a reality TV star, and a powerful voice for transgender rights has lived most of her life like an open book. Her journey, including her transition and the surgeries that came with it, has sparked conversations about identity, acceptance, and the pressures of being constantly under the public eye.
Caitlyn Jenner attends a “In Conversation with… Drinks Event” on October 4, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Picture Caitlyn today, at 74, if she had never undergone any plastic surgery. What would she look like? This isn’t about questioning her choices but rather about exploring the natural aging process and satisfying our curiosity.
Caitlyn Jenner seen on August 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
We respect Caitlyn’s real-life choices while offering an alternate perspective on how she would have looked today if she aged naturally. We used advanced AI imagery to bring this scenario to life, creating visuals of Caitlyn at 74, untouched by surgical enhancements.
Caitlyn Jenner looks on in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami on May 08, 2022 in Miami, Florida | Source: Getty Images
From a young age, Caitlyn, then known as Bruce Jenner, felt an unspoken pull towards her true identity. As a child, she found herself drawn to her mother’s and sister’s closets, dressing up in secret and living in fear of being discovered. This early experience of gender dysphoria remained a secret until the early 1970s when she confided in her first wife, Chrystie.
Bruce Jenner on July 31, 1976 | Source: Getty Images
Bruce Jenner trains for the decathlon for the 1976 Summer Olympics in 1976 | Source: Getty Images
In the mid-1980s, Bruce embarked on a challenging journey of transition. This process involved electrolysis and hormone treatments, leading to physical changes so noticeable they sparked media rumors. Despite the public speculation, Bruce halted his transition due to fears about public reaction and the potential impact on his children and career.
Bruce Jenner poses for a portrait in 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Bruce Jenner with his then-wife Kris Jenner, circa 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Marrying Kris Kardashian in 1991 offered a fresh start and a cover, but the internal conflict persisted. By 2013, the pressure of concealing his true self had reached a breaking point. A leaked story about a consultation for a tracheal shave, a procedure often associated with feminization, thrust Bruce’s private struggles into the public eye.
Bruce Jenner with his then-wife Kris Kardashian and daughter Kendall Jenner during the torch relay for the XXVI Summer Olympic Games on April 17, 1996 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Bruce Jenner and Linda Thompson circa 1990 | Source: Getty Images
This invasion of privacy led to a moment of despair, making the weight of his secret too heavy to bear. However, it ultimately propelled Bruce to embrace his identity and plan for a public transition. After their divorce, living separately from Kris provided Bruce the freedom to live more authentically, culminating in a 10-hour facial feminization surgery.
Caitlyn Jenner poses during the welcome party for the LIV Golf Invitational – Bedminster on July 27, 2022 in New York | Source: Getty Images
Caitlyn Jenner during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf Invitational – Bedminster on July 28, 2022 in Bedminster, New Jersey | Source: Getty Images
Bruce’s transition to Caitlyn brought about a newfound sense of being a better, more involved parent, with no regrets. Caitlyn’s mother, Esther, at 89, expressed pride in her child’s courage but also questioned the motives behind the surgeries, wondering if it was all for money. Caitlyn, however, has made it clear that her transition was not about being interesting but about living authentically.
Caitlyn Jenner walks outside the Turk-Hyde Mini Park on August 25, 2021 in San Francisco, California | Source: Getty Images
Caitlyn Jenner talks to Paul Casey during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf Invitational – Bedminster on July 28, 2022 in Bedminster, New Jersey | Source: Getty Images
In 2015, Caitlyn sat down for an interview that would reveal her thoughts on the public’s reaction to her transition and the first official photos of her new identity. When asked if she was scared about the public’s reaction, Caitlyn responded with an emphatic “No,” adding that she was excited, not fearful.
Caitlyn Jenner at the Los Angeles Dream Center on September 11, 2021 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Caitlyn Jenner talks to Paul Casey during day one of the LIV Golf Invitational – Bedminster on July 29, 2022 in Bedminster, New Jersey | Source: Getty Images
She believed the reaction would be one of surprise and acceptance. Emphasizing the importance of presentation, she aimed to look the part, to embody femininity in a way that would put people at ease around her. Her goal was not to be perceived as a man in a dress but to be recognized and accepted as Caitlyn.
Caitlyn Jenner attends NASCAR’s Busch Light Clash on February 6, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The photoshoot for Vanity Fair was a pivotal moment for Caitlyn. The team spared no effort in doing it right – the wardrobe, the people, everything was just great. It was during this shoot that Caitlyn had a profound moment of self-realization. For the first time, she saw an image of herself, of who she truly is.
Caitlyn Jenner attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 30th Annual Academy Awards viewing party on March 27, 2022 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Looking in the mirror, she saw Caitlyn, not Bruce. And it was better than she ever thought it would be, especially at her age. She narrated, “And seeing that image was powerful to me, you know, powerful.” It affirmed her belief that this was going to work, that she was going to be okay.
Caitlyn Jenner attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 30th Annual Academy Awards viewing party on March 27, 2022 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Caitlyn’s transition didn’t erase her past. She fondly remembers her time as Bruce, saying, “I liked Bruce. He was a good person. He did a lot in his life.” Bruce’s achievements, from winning the Olympic Games to raising a family, are milestones Caitlyn wouldn’t want to discard.
Caitlyn Jenner attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 30th Annual Academy Awards viewing party on March 27, 2022 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
When asked if she regretted not transitioning sooner, which would have allowed her to live as her true self for an additional 25 years starting from the age of 39, Caitlyn responded decisively and unequivocally, “No. I have no regrets.” The year 1990 marked a significant turning point in Bruce’s life.
Caitlyn Jenner attends the 4th Annual GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party on April 3, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
It was then that Kris entered his life during a period of professional stagnation. Their whirlwind romance started with a blind date and led to a marriage within a year. Kris became instrumental in reviving Bruce’s career, taking charge and making strategic decisions.
Caitlyn Jenner attends the 4th Annual GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party on April 3, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Together, they expanded their family, raising their daughters Kendall and Kylie Jenner alongside Kris’s four children from a previous relationship, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Robert, who would later become household names through “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” a reality TV show.
Caitlyn Jenner attends the 4th Annual GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party on April 3, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In a candid discussion back in 2017, Caitlyn revealed that Kris knew of her undergoing hormone therapy. Despite this glimpse into her gender identity, Caitlyn believes that Kris, much like other women, possessed a “can-do attitude” and harbored the notion that she could “fix” him. Caitlyn admits her longing to be fixed and to resume her professional life.
Kendall and Caitlyn Jenner attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns on October 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Their collaboration was a potent joint endeavor, with Caitlyn attributing her professional resurgence to Kris. Their mutual agreement to separate was not influenced by Caitlyn’s transition, a point she stresses emphatically. Caitlyn first came into the public eye as her authentic self in June 2015.
Bruce Jenner at 74 via AI | Source: Midjourney
She made her debut on the cover of Vanity Fair boldly announcing, “Call Me Caitlyn.” She later shared her story through various media outlets, including an interview with Diane Sawyer and her reality show, “I Am Cait.” She transitioned at 65, but it wasn’t until she received her updated driver’s license in July 2015 that she felt truly recognized.
Bruce Jenner at 74 via AI | Source: Midjourney
Reflecting on the fifth anniversary of her transition, Caitlyn described the moment as deeply emotional. She saw herself, Caitlyn Marie Jenner, in the photo. However, she also pondered about Bruce, who had accomplished many things, including raising 10 children. She questioned if Bruce deserved to be discarded so abruptly.
Bruce Jenner at 74 via AI | Source: Midjourney
Despite this, Caitlyn was resolute about not turning back. Bruce had done all he could. The question now was, what would Caitlyn do? She acknowledges her journey is unique, stating, “This is my journey. Yes, it is different than other trans people. I understand that.” But she finds peace in her self-acceptance, affirming, “When I wake up in the morning, I’m happy with myself.”
Bruce Jenner at 74 via AI | Source: Midjourney
Caitlyn’s journey is a testament to the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that often resists change. Her story, both as Bruce and as Caitlyn, is not just about the physical transformation but about the evolution of a soul that has inspired many to embrace their truth with dignity.
