Bruce Jenner Tells Diane Sawyer He Would Never Hurt His Children

Bruce Jenner has been a figure of much discussion over recent weeks, as the world gears up for his in-depth interview with Diane Sawyer, and a new teaser for the 20/20 episode shows us where the reality star and former Olympian is with his priorities.

Jenner, who has been rumored for many months now to be transitioning to a female, says in the brief clip that his family comes first. Jenner is dad to Burt, Casey, Brandon, Brody, Kendall, and Kylie, who in turn are step-siblings to the Kardashians.

“They are the only ones I’m concerned with. I can’t let myself hurt them… my whole life has been getting me ready for this. It made me who I am,” Jenner says in the interview.

Jenner has received both support and concern from members of the LGBT community, some of whom fear that he will become a not-so-welcome spokesperson for transgender people due to his high profile and relation to the Kardashians. However, actor Jeffrey Tambor, who portrays a transgender woman on the show Transparent, recently spoke out in defense of Jenner.

“I think Jenner has a right to do what Jenner wants to do, and the way Jenner wants to do it. I don’t think we should say, ‘Oh, you have to come out this way, or you have to come out this way.’ It’s not fair,” Tambor said.

Though it’s not clear what Bruce has already been through, a source told Radar Online that he will likely go into surgery in just a month or two.

“Bruce is now ready. This is a very, very big step for Bruce to take, and the time is approaching quickly. The surgery will take place at the end of May/beginning of June. It’s a very intensive surgery.”

According to Dr. Mel Ortega (who is not associated with Jenner), the procedure is very lengthy.

“The testicles are history but the rest is preserved to create the neo-vagina. The tissue is never removed from the body, with the exception of incorporating skin grafts if there’s isn’t enough material,” he said.

Jenner hasn’t spoken publicly about his transformation until he sat down with Sawyer, and his family have steered clear of talking about it, as well. But sources close to Jenner say that he’s very happy to be moving on with something he’s wanted to do for a long time.

“He seems happy that he can live his life the way he feels he’s intended to. His kids all love him very much and would do anything for him,” a source told People.

The much-anticipated interview will air on Friday, April 24, on ABC at 9 p.m.

[Photo courtesy Keeping Up With The Kardashians/YouTube]