Image: Caitlyn Jenner in Vanity Fair magazine

UPDATE 02.06.15:

Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner, has made her first public appearance in the latest edition of Vanity Fair. Dressed in a cream-coloured corset and underwear, the 65-year-old features on the magazine’s cover, accompanied by the headline “Call Me Caitlyn.”

In the 22-page cover story, illustrated with a photos by Annie Leibovitz, Jenner — who until now has been referred to by the pronoun “he” —revealed she underwent a 10-hour “facial feminisation surgery” in March, and has not had genital surgery.

The former Olympian shared her cover on Instagram, writing: "Everybody has challenges in dealing with life. I'm so happy after such a long struggle and finally living my true self. Welcome to the world Caitlyn. It feels so good. Can't wait for you to get to know her/me."

We can't wait either, Caitlyn.

If someone you love is transitioning, there are many ways you can support them. Read on for 5 pieces of important advice. (Post continues after video.)

On 27.04.15 we reported:

On Saturday, Bruce Jenner put an end to months of rabid speculation, telling the world he is transitioning to become the person he always felt he was: a woman.

In an interview with US journalist Diane Sawyer, Jenner — the former husband of Kardashian family matriarch Kris Jenner — explained he is now "for all intents and purposes" a woman.

Bruce Jenner during his interview with Diane Sawyer

“People look at me differently. They see you as this macho male, but my heart and my soul and everything that I do in life — it is part of me. That female side is part of me, it’s who I am,” the 65-year-old, who has been taking female hormones for the past year and a half, told Sawyer.

The former Olympic athlete revealed he was confused about his gender from a young age, and first saw a therapist and began transitioning in the mid-1980s. He underwent five years of hormone therapy at this time, but stopped after he met future wife Kris.

RELATED: What happens if you’re transgender and you have a gendered illness?

Jenner's interview has been met with great support from around the world, but that doesn't mean opening up was an easy decision for him — or for any member of the trans community, for that matter. Unfortunately, many trans people remain silenced by cruel social stigmas, including here in Australia. (Post continues after gallery.)

Bruce Jenner with his family

"While societal attitudes in Australia on this issue have, at a minimum, turned a corner, that’s only been in the last three years," says Sally Goldner, Executive Director of  Transgender Victoria.

"Many people will still have had negative experiences or have heard negative things from society or parts of it — for example, the school yard or lunch-room gossip at work."

RELATED: Transgender teen announced as the new face of Clean & Clear.

For this reason, the love, encouragement and support of close friends and family is crucial for a person who is transitioning, or contemplating it. If you know someone in this position, here are five ways to show your support.

1. Let them know you're there

Being encouraging and open about your support is a crucial first step when a transitioning loved one opens up to you. "That the person has chosen you to disclose this to shows a huge level of trust, and to reward that trust by being affirming could be massively important, even life-changing, for them," Sally Goldner says.

Simply saying "I support you" or "I'm here for you" can establish your support; from there, allow your friend to guide you in terms of what they might need. (Post continues after gallery.)

Friends, family and fans support Bruce Jenner

Kris Jenner

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian

Kendall Jenner

Khloe Kardashian

Kylie Jenner

Jimmy Fallon

Portia de Rossi

Ellen Degeneres

Oprah Winfrey

Miley Cyrus

Lady Gaga

"Let them know you want to be an ally, and ask them what they need from you. Then, to the extent you are able, offer them the support they've asked for," suggests The Gender Centre. For instance, your loved one might ask for&