There were a few moments at the ESPYs last night that got me teared up. One was the “Best Moment” Award, which went to the late teen college basketball player Lauren Hill, who passed away in April of an inoperable brain tumor. The other was the story of Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, whose now five year-old daughter Leah fought a brave and successful battle against neuroblastoma cancer.
And of course Caitlyn’s story made me cry, and it got to me in a way I did not expect. Caitlyn was there to accept the Arthur Ashe courage award, presented by Olympic gold medalist soccer player Abby Wambach. Abby dropped some sad statistics about the transgender community – that 20% of transgender people have experienced homelessness, and that 41% have attempted suicide.
They ran a powerful pre-taped segment featuring Caitlyn’s incredible story. You can watch it above. While we got to see some of the Kardashians and Kris Jenner briefly in old red carpet footage, only Kendall was interviewed.
Then Caitlyn came to the stage in an elegant full length Versace white wrap dress, kissing her mom who was seated next to her and embracing Diane Sawyer, who was across the aisle. It came out recently that Caitlyn was styled for the ESPYs by Angelina Jolie’s stylist and it showed. She looked incredible. Here are some highlights of what she said and you can see the videos below. Time Magazine has the full transcript.
Jokes about fashion and makeup
You’ve got to get the shoes, the hair, the makeup, the whole process — it was exhausting. And next, the fashion police — please be kind on meOn the struggle of trans people
All across this country, right now, all across the world, at this very moment, there are young people coming to terms with being transgender… They’re getting bullied, they’re getting beaten up, they’re getting murdered and they’re committing suicide.On athletes being role models
As a group, as athletes, how you conduct your lives, what you say, what you do, is absorbed and observed by millions of people, especially young people.Trans people deserve respect
And from that respect comes a more compassionate community, a more empathetic society and a better world for all of us.Thanks her family but doesn’t name anyone except her mom
I’d like to thank my family. The biggest fear in Caitlyn Jenner coming out was I never wanted to hurt anyone else, most of all my family and my kids. I always wanted my children to be so proud of their dad because of what he was able to accomplish in his life.Indirectly addresses the criticism that she’s doing it for publicity
For the people out there wondering… whether it’s about courage or controversy or publicity… It’s not just about one person, it’s about thousands of people. It’s not just about me, it’s about all of us accepting one another… while it may not be easy to get past the things you always don’t understand, I want to prove that it is absolutely possible if we only do it together.
Holy. Crap. That was just excellent. Caitlyn brought it around to sports too, and said that sports gave her an identity and a way to triumph over bullies. I’m crying again. There have been so many watershed moments in Caitlyn’s coming out, and we just witnessed what may have been the most significant.
Here’s Caitlyn’s speech.
Wonderful and empowering speech – well done…
I have an indian friend who is lesbian – I am going to show her this and hopefully it will encourage her to come out in public that she is lesbian.
Agreed Maya. I’m surprised that everyone in the room wasn’t on there feet, fist pumping, whooping and in tears. I read a lot of comments elsewhere that Caitlyn Jenner doesn’t deserve this award because she isn’t courageous. I’d say that as a huge army of bigots and trolls band together to shame, harass and mock her, the way she’s been standing up against their hate is pretty courageous.
I still think ultimately your friend will have to decide when that information should be shared. While this speech might bring her comfort, I doubt it’ll instantly put her in a sharing mood. Coming out is more nuanced than that.
@ Maya
I get you’re trying to be supportive to your friend but this isn’t your decision to make. Showing her this video to “encourage” her comes off like pressuring her (like “Hey look at what Caitlyn is doing, now you need to do the same).
Coming out is personal choice that your friend should make whenever she feels it’s the right time. Now that could be tomorrow, in six months, or five years from now but it’s her choice to decide when to do so, not yours or anyone else’s.
@Maya -its wonderful how you care about your friend and want to show her that it might be safe for her to come out and be true to herself. But I agree with @nikki – your friend’s decision to come out is her decision alone. I would suggest you continue to be a good friend and support whenever or if ever she decides to come out.
Wow. Just wow. Was not expecting to cry this hard so early in the morning. A beautiful, compassionate, moving, powerful, and graceful moment from Caitlyn. She and her family should be so proud. No shade, no snark, just so much love. I’m very moved.
I love that she gave so much time to acknowledge the identities and struggles of members of the trans community at large. She even mentioned Chaz Bono, which is something some posters brought up the other day.
And the footage they played before her speech… Again, just wow. That moment where Bruce is being interviewed about “the essence of masculinity” (sorry, don’t remember the exact words that were used)… The look in Bruce’s eyes when he was asked that question… It was like it just broke his heart. Really powerful stuff.
Yes! Bonus points for name-dropping Chaz Bono (or Yoko Chaz Bono, as some 1Directioners would say…).
(Mental high-fiving her for acknowledging that she reads our comment section… )
Muahaha. LONG LIVE YOKO BONO!
I’m really glad she mentioned Chaz, too. Caitlyn is a CB lurker, I’m convinced. 😉
Has anyone heard anything about how Chaz is doing lately? Last I saw, he’d lost a lot of weight and he looked amazing.
+1000
I’m not saying she’s doing this for publicity but I see Bruce on make up, high heels etc. Chaz BOno, for example, I don’t even remember he was born as a girl….he’s 100% a man….but Caitlin, I’m sorry, is only Bruce dressed liked a woman.
It certainly encourages us to look at beauty and gender in a new way and with an open mind.
You’re right
+1, Odesa. It challenges all the preconceived notions we may hold about gender, beauty and identity, which can pave the way for some great conversations, learning experiences, and growth as humans.
I agree. Maybe we need to stop expecting people to look a certain way in order to be accepted.
I rather think for years we’ve seen Caitlyn dressed like a man.
What Amy said. ^^^
What she looks like isn’t really the point. She’s still a woman and we come in all shapes, sizes, and “levels” of femininity, for lack of a better term. I have a buzz cut and small breasts. I’m still a woman.
i know what you mean.
i have the same issue and it’s not because i am against caitlyn.
her struggle and triumph are moving.
i feel for her.
what may be making all of this difficult to accept is that bruce jenner is a beloved american icon.
i adored him when he won the gold medals – i was a child and had such a crush on this handsome athlete.
for decades, the mention of wheaties brought bruce and his athletic prowess to mind.
many of us love the man, the athlete, and what his life exemplified.
how to get beyond that?
imagine, given we are having difficulty seeing beyond, how difficult it has to be for bruce – for caitlyn.
and for his children?
so many complicated issues here.
one of the most profound is how do we as a nation embrace this woman?
an male american hero – who is a man no more?
I don’t agree with her receiving this particular award I think there were others more deserving and relevent in the current sporting world and I think her platform should be made in a different arena. However I really respect what you said I don’t think anyone has put it so eloquently.
@bella I get what you’re saying, but I think a lot of the problem as far as people who are “struggling” to adapt to Caitlyn and leave Bruce behind is that people hate things that they don’t understand. The same hateful kind of things are said and done to gay people, and ultimately it all boils down to the fact that too many people don’t know how to live and let live. Tolerance is the key in situations like this, because whether or not one understands it, they have no place in judging and becoming hateful.
I also have to say, I think it’s a little ridiculous that people can’t get past the Olympic athlete thing. Bruce Jenner was born a man. Gender Identity Disorder is a situation where someone born male (or female) feels like a woman trapped in a man’s body. And even so, how in the world does this take away from Bruce’s amazing accomplishments and what right does anyone have to feel that they’re owed something because of how someone else is choosing to live?
People shy away from things they don’t understand and in many cases grow to hate the things they don’t understand. Intolerance is a problem, and a good start in moving past that would be people understanding that the world doesn’t revolve around them and Caitlyn or Bruce’s choices are none of their business.
I’m not really invested in the award, but Cate has a point – what about Michael Sams receiving the award for example? He’s more relevant in a sporting context (ie he’s a current athlete). I mostly just wanted to comment that I LOLed at the seating/pecking order: Kim K in first row, Jenner girls and Khloe in second and Jenner boys relegated to third row.
thank you @cate, for understanding my point.
@Bella…i’m not sure if your post is referring to my post in particular.
i am not hating or intolerant of caitlyn.
not at all.
and i’m not saying i don’t understand or that i’m unwilling to understand.
my point is that for the public at large who admire and respect the athlete, the man, bruce jenner, it’s diffiucult to embrace caitlyn the woman given the complicated emotions of accepting that bruce is now female.
i in no way am rejecting transgender folks.
yet i believe it’s a human trait to struggle with a very complicated situation.
i can’t begin to imagine the emotional struggle caitlyn has been through and will go through or how difficult the transiiton has been for the children and rest of the family.
the magnitude of who bruce jenner is and the adoration many have had for him for decades – a very deep rooted emotion for his admirers – is a difficult impression to let go.
and it makes it more of a challenge to embrace caitlyn the woman without letting go of feelings re bruce jenner the man.
i believe that it’s more of a hurdle in this case for people to embrace the transition than it would be someone who is not an american icon.
+1000
Why does the nation have to embrace her? She’s just a reality star. Insignificant to many people’s lives. While she might spark conversation, no one is of any duty to have to care about her or think highly of her, any more so than when she was Bruce and a reality star.
@bella, sorry I wasn’t more clear in my response. I wasn’t trying to insinuate that my post was directed at you personally. I was responding to what you said, and I believe you’re right about how people are reacting, but I was just saying I personally feel that it would be ideal if society would learn to mind their own business and stop thinking that everyone owes them an explanation for how they choose to live. This is just a reflection of my own views on these issues. For example, with gay marriage–I wish religious fanatics would stop acting like other people who aren’t even practicing members of their faith have to abide by their rules. My sentiment is if one has a problem with gay marriage, the solution is simple: don’t have one. The idea that other people have to bend to the beliefs of others is so incredibly silly, especially in America where we’re all free to believe whatever we want and live our lives our own way. Too many people feel like they deserve an answer or an explanation for things that simply don’t concern them and it’s terrible and perpetuates intolerance in our society.
I agree with your post 100%, but I just can’t understand why someone admiring a person’s athletic ability would extend to them believing they have a right to disapprove of said person’s lifestyle choices 40 years later. This is a part of society that really irks me, although I know it’s human nature.
claire
Bruce didn’t become Caitlyn for reality tv sake.
She has been feeling this way for decades and it’s been well known.
That Caitlyn made the transition IS conversation and praise worthy.
Why? Because it’s not easy. Many who feel they were born into the wrong body, the wrong gender. They have hurdles to overcome. Not just financiall, but emotionally and socially.
And Caitlyn is high profile. So, when she speaks to all those who can’t speak and feel lost or hopeless it’s important! It’s not your duty and not mine. I just choose to listen for what it is and not that woman who was formerly a man on a reality tv show.
Why can’t we continue to embrace a great athlete, period?
The athleticism and achievement were the point, not his “masculinity.”
We probably know less about what being masculine means than Prince William know what it means to work.
That is because she is the same person but now she’s a woman. As others have said, it should make us challenge the way we think about gender and stereotypes. She is an inspiration for everyone, regardless of whether they are transgender or not.
+1. Now if only we could get more members of our society to understand that different doesn’t mean bad and that how others choose to live their lives should not be a taken as a direct insult somehow. The same can be said for gay marriage. How other people choose to live is none of their business. There are too many people in our world who believe others have to follow their rules or owe them an explanation for how they choose to live. It’s the antithesis of tolerance and it needs to end. There are a lot of hateful people out there without a clue leaving gross comments on Caitlyn’s Instagram account and it just disturbs me.
it was very gracious and went beyond her personal story. I was impressed with how she focused on the struggle other people without her resources go through.
There were some stone faces in that audience though! Still a long way to go for the LGBT community in the sports world… a long, long way.
Using Jen Rade for the dress was a smart choice. That’s def. something Angelina would wear — understated and elegant.
Never liked Angelina’s style, but for an event like this, the dress is perfect. Not “look at me!” – more “hear what I have to say.”
Great point, Talie. I spent a lot of time trying to read the faces of those in the audience. I had a hard time deciding what was uncomfortable face and what was emotional face. I guess I just wanted to assume that everyone was just feeling really emotional, but you’re definitely right. You could tell it made some people uncomfortable, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s only when we step outside our comfort zone that we can start to grow. Like you said, we have a long way to go.
That’s a great point Shambles. I must say I felt a tad disappointed when I noticed uncomfortable expressions in the crowd – I was hoping everyone would be whooping and cheering. But like you said, the discomfort is not necessarily a bad thing if it challenges people’s preconceptions and encourages them to reassess their opinions and be more accepting of our differences.
Some people don’t like her or her family. Some might think others were more deserving of this award. Some might have resting bitch face and some just may not give a crap or aren’t emotional people.
That is such an Angie dress. I loved the dress.
regarding the people in the audience.. Maybe some of them don’t like the family.. but maybe they didn’t necessarily like Bruce before he trans to Caitlyn. Just because Bruce was a famous athlete doesn’t mean that everyone in sports like him as a person.. so that would not change because he is not Caitlyn. .
The stone faces might not be about the lgbt community. It might just be about Caitlyn. Many resent Caitlyn.
I do not like her, well, since I do not know her, I dislike her hunger for the public attention and putting her minor children in this game of greed.
I am strictly against the belief of heteronormativity and this imposing of natural roles in life. Just does not make sense to me.
Or, they could have been just serious faces because it was a serious topic?
You know, I applaud her brave transition and being the spokewoman for LGBT but I cant help feeling annoyed by her money grabbing, public attention seeking self by having another reality TV show (just like her Ex Kardashian Klan foot step). It feels opportunistic to me. Do paid public speaking or organize private LGBT gatherings but dont dangle this reality tv crap in front of our faces and tell us That you are speaking on behalf of all of transgendered. Plus finding out that she (well, he then) was a dead beat dad to her children from previous marriages doesnt sit well with me.
Really amazing, really beautiful. I’m so happy for her.
Omg, totally crying here. Wonderful speech. She looked gorgeous too.
I watched it, and while I don’t understand it, I respect her for saying it. If even 1 child, 1 person was saved from that speech then she’s done her job. I can’t imagine what it would be like to live with such confusion for so long. But, it’s not for me to understand, it’s on me to accept that everyone is different and no less valuable than the next person. So what I took away from this is to judge less and try to live my life as a more tolerant, loving human being. For that I have to thank Caitlyn, because I had no idea..
Awesome comment, Blue Marie. I really admire your grace, your honesty, and your openness. I think one of the most powerful moments of Caitlyn’s speech was when she said:
“Trans people deserve your respect.”
There was such strength and conviction in her voice. And I think her sentiments go along really well with what you’ve said here. Hugs for judging less and loving more!
It was a lovely message. And sometimes we need to be reminded of it.
Day to day we make quick judgements without realising the impact on others.
With you and Shambles all the way here. You may not like the woman saying it and not like the associations, but the message is simple. Let’s focus on being good to eachother.
I’m glad the Transgender community has a voice. I just wish it wasn’t a woman who is a terrible parent that also just killed a lady with a car recently.
This.
the trans community has plenty of other voices. laverne cox, to name one.
I think Laverne is a great example though of someone who has to operate without the privilege Caitlyn has. It seems like Laverne chooses words almost too carefully, to be too politically correct and people-pleasing on every single little thing, in fear of a backlash. Her word salad about cultural appropriation, and her own behavior on WWHL was a great example of that. Too worried to piss anyone off by being direct and standing up for stuff.
Exactly.
Wow.
She was driving that SUV that impacted the woman’s car killing her? Amazing she could be in 2 places at once.
Because you don’t like the vessel doesn’t mean you should nit pick it and detract from the solid message. But anything to get a jab in over discussing serious issues. I get it. I know where I am.
What happened to her implants?
Good for her, but they are just words. I would like to see articles on her doing something other than what she is wearing and articles that concern her upcoming show. Sorry if I’m being harsh but have not seen anything about her except what she is wearing or where she is going. The only things that came close is her visiting the youth center and passing out condoms (of which she wouldn’t have photos taken of but sure could have it filmed for her show- passing out of the condoms). This is partially the tabloids fault because that is what they do but it is also partly her doing because she could show what she is/has been doing for the transgender community other than coming out about it. This may be an unpopular opinion and so bring on the criticism.
I get what you’re saying. My cousin is trans and he and his friends don’t have much respect for Caitlyn and the way she’s handled this. People claim she’s doing so much for the trans community but she hasn’t really done anything besides pimp her life out to he highest bidder. I’m sure she’s raised awareness for those who have no understanding of the trans community but outside of that everything she’s done is to line her pockets.
I know two transgendered individuals, who transitioned many years ago (while young and still trying to earn a living), and neither says a word about Caitlyn. The silence is deafening, particularly from one who is extremely vocal about pro-TG topics.
@Christin-Thanks for that info.
I’m so torn on this. I saw a clip of the speech this morning and I remained unmoved. Yet while reading the transcripts of Caitlyn’s speech, the words strike me as quite emotional and thoughtful.
I started wondering why I felt so dispassionate about Caitlyn and all I could come up with is that I feel resentful that she’s been anointed the Trans Spokesperson. My next thought was that it simply isn’t my place to have an opinion about it. I recalled some of the LGBT commenters here who showed a positive reaction to Caitlyn’s new role….so maybe it’s just me? I just can’t get past the fact that I think there are better, more articulate and insightful spokespeople like Laverne Cox. It grates on me that this rich privileged person from a high-profile thirsty-ass family is getting the spotlight.
It feels……undeserved somehow.
Ultimately, I just really want to know how trans people feel about Caitlyn. Is there overwhelming support? As a cis female I really struggle with the idea that I should have a strong opinion one way or the other. Maybe I should just stay out of it, you know?
I think it’s all very self-serving and that Jenner did not deserve this award. I know I’m in the minority here but I believe there are far braver people in the world than Jenner. To me, Caitlyn seems obsessed with clothing and makeup and little else.
@Kitten I think it’s okay that you feel like this, it’s not wrong. Caitlyn Jenner is one person in a huge group of transgender people. It’s okay to dislike her personally but be supportive of her journey as her choice. Ask yourself who the leader or representative of the straight community is; there isn’t one, right? Nor should there be. I think the same applies here.
@Hawkeye-There isn’t a leader in the straight community because we don’t need one. We’re not marginalized and we don’t seek representation in a society that disregards us. We don’t fear for our safety because of who we are and we aren’t on a quest for empathy, understanding and a presence in mainstream society. We’re incredibly privileged and lucky in that regard.
I just feel like the media is propping up Caitlyn to be this *leader* of a community that deserves better than her.
Anyway, thanks for making me feel less guilty about things. I do support Caitlyn’s journey, but I just can’t get behind her deification.
@Kitten, I guess my larger point is it’s unfair to assign that role and its responsibilities to one person on behalf of a giant, diverse group of people, especially if she isn’t saying she’s ready or willing to become a more public advocate. You’re right, straight people don’t need a leader; what I was getting at is that it’s pretty difficult to imagine who represents the interests of ALL straight people, but I see quite a lot of people asking, nay, demanding, that Caitlyn Jenner to do more advocacy, more outreach, more education, and I don’t agree with this at all. Caitlyn Jenner is representative of her own struggle for recognition and equality, but she doesn’t speak for all transgender people, and it’s not on her to lead if all she wants is to just enjoy the rest of her life on her own terms. The media circus surrounding her transition for me is just another example of a manufactured spokesperson, which puts the focus on whether Caitlyn Jenner is a likeable enough person, “worthy” of being a leader, and detracts from the bigger problem of equality.
@Hawkeye Caitlyn is has made herself a de facto leader. If she just wanted to live her life she could. Eventually the hoopla would die down and the media would move on to something or someone else. Instead she continues to court publicity. I’m sure there are some in the trans community who love what she’s doing but the few people I know feel she’s making a spectacle out it.
@renee28 my perspective is that Jenner is courting publicity for only herself as an individual, not a representative of a monolith, which is why I just don’t think the leadership mantle is anything but artificially assigned by other people. She’s a famous person who happens to be a transgender person, not a transgender person who is famous because of that. That’s why I totally understand why a lot of people, transgender or not, are not supportive of what she’s doing.
@Hawkeye-I get what you’re saying and your opinion on this issue matters a lot to me. You and other members of the LGBT community is who I want to hear from.
“She’s a famous person who happens to be a transgender person, not a transgender person who is famous because of that.”
That makes sense. I guess I hadn’t thought about it that way.
I don’t know… I feel like when a transgendered person is receiving the amount of public recognition that Caitlyn is–awards and tv specials, magazine covers and docuseries, that there’s a HUGE opportunity there. With such a wide-reaching platform it seems compulsory to me that she would speak for those who don’t have a public voice or the same opportunities. I’d feel differently if all transgendered people had access to the same podium, you know? I really empathize with trans people who would love to have this level of exposure to share their voices and to make a difference. It bugs me that Caitlyn was given this, just to put it on a shelf to gather dust and I find it hard to side-step what I see as an inherent obligation on her part.
Eh. Maybe I’m being too hard on her. Maybe she’s making a difference in her own small way. I also get what you’re saying about the dangers of seeing the trans community as a monolith. I think I’m guilty of doing that on some level and not recognizing it…so thanks for pointing that out, Hawkeye. Still, I’ll reserve my adulation for Laverne Cox, a woman who’s made it her mission to educate others about trans-focused LGBT issues.
@Kitten, I get you. I come at from the perspective of how I sometimes feel even here. The Celebitchy community is pretty great to hang out in, but there are times when as one of the few gay guys who comments, I find myself constantly acting like a spokesperson. I know that a lot of it is my choice, but sometimes I get the impression of expectations to “explain” stuff, and it’s exhausting, even the perception, even if it’s entirely in my mind’s eye. Especially since it’s not limited to just here. So I can’t help but wonder if Caitlyn Jenner doesn’t wish that she can enjoy catwalking in new outfits with her hair did in a flash of cameras without having to constantly represent every single transgender person ever all the time. Laverne Cox on the other hand seems to fit better into that role of advocacy, and I’m sure she’s glad to have your attention. =)
@Hawkeye-I completely understand how you could feel that way and I imagine that would be exhausting on a lot of levels.
If it counts for anything, you’ve given me a lot of food for thought and I greatly appreciate that.
@Kitten – One of the TG people I referenced (the most outspoken of the two) posts on FB at least once per day, often about TG issues. She recently posted a clip of John Oliver mentioning how the T in LGBT is often the most neglected. Not one single reference to Caitlyn during the past few months. And I find that telling.
Not that I think this one person I know is the spokesperson for an entire community, either, but she has traveled a tough road since we left high school in the 1980s. Her family disowned her for years and she had to struggle, yet she is thriving. She was on a well known talk show years ago, on a panel where they had a “guess if she’s really a female or male” (non-PC, definitely) themed show. She was absolutely beautiful, and most guessed she was born a female (which was a wrong guess).
The other TG person I know is a bit older, and transitioned around 1980. Had a very successful business, and managed to keep it prospering, despite becoming the town’s pointed-at, subject of whispers person when TG was basically unheard of where I grew up. Again, she and her SO are saying nothing about Caitlyn.
Like you, I want to know what the more “average” living TG person thinks of all this.
Thanks to Kitten and Christen for bringing up the points I’ve been struggling with regarding Caitlyn Jenner.
I studied Gender Studies in graduate school and one of the electives I chose was Transgender Law. It’s one of the best classes I’ve ever taken in my life. Very eyeopening. It would have been interesting if Caitlyn had come out during the time I took the course. I think it would have been an interesting discussion. Oh, and our professor identifies as a trans man.
Given Caitlyn’s background, as a high profile Olympian, coming out as transgender is a courageous step to take because of her past achievements and the public perceives her based off those.
swack, it’s true that words only mean so much without action, but at the same time, it’s not on just Caitlyn Jenner to change the world. You can be doing something too, as can I and everyone here.
I’m not saying it’s only up to her to change the world but with as public of a person as she is, why would she not show the handing out of condoms as a way of helping. We are only seeing the artificial side of it (clothing, makeup, hair, etc) and until this show of hers comes out it seems like nothing is being publicized because it is all being filmed for the show and heaven forbid any of that gets out without it being put out there by her team. If she is doing things to help then why not put those stories out there.
A lot of it is for the show. They needed footage. Just like how getting this award was through producers’ interventions with ESPN…it’s all about the tv footage.
@Kitten, thank you for putting it so elegantly. I have been on the same fence as you. I have not commented on any other article because while I’m glad she can finally be the person she wants to be, I have a hard time seeing her as knowing what it is really like for the average person who is transgendering. I’ve been reading the comments trying to get it all straightened out in my mind.
Glad I’m not alone, Swack.
I’m so thankful for your gals’ comments because I keep thinking about the average (nonfamous) transgender people and how this situation is perceived through their eyes.
Great speech!
I know! I was side-eyeing commenters for saying they cried, then I watched it!!!! Lots of tears!
Caitlyn (and Bruce before her) are/have been very good public speakers. Impressive message, just the right tone, and this was a very memorable event even for those of us who weren’t in the live audience.
Role model.
Amazing speech. She looked beautiful.
I found Caitlyn’s speech to be beautiful and moving. I believe her intentions are pure and that she WILL do good by getting the information out there. Just simply by standing up in front of a crowed in a public as a person who was just a few months ago known as Bruce Jenner, a man, and now revealing her true self as Caitlyn the woman is making huge strides in showing by example that people CAN feel comfortable to be themselves. That alone gets the ball rolling sending out the message of, “Don’t give up because it gets better.” What Caitlyn is doing is advocating for trans people, and I believe her work has only just begun.
Also–the part of Caitlyn’s speech when they put a camera on her kids made me feel differently about Kylie in particular. She was sitting there with this helpless, emotional look on her face and for once she actually looked like a scared 17 year old who was going through a lot. I genuinely feel sorry for her and will judge her a lot less now.
I also noticed the look on Kylie’s face, she really did look so sad and helpless… And you’re right, just the fact that Caitlyn exists is bound to do some good.
delete
*Devon Still
YES!! A real hero.
x 1,000,000…there is nothing in this world (or the next) more absolutely, soul crushingly terrifying than watching your young innocent child battle an incurable illness, day after day, living with so much pain…words fail me as I think of so many other parents like Still….
Absolutely
I like Caitlyn’s mother a lot. She feels she should have known – but she had no idea. Imagine how far down he stuffed all those feelings.
I hope the kids do start getting some parenting and attention. As of right now, they seem to make useful props for Caitlyn’s TV moments.
I’m sorry, but her concern for all the transgender teens rings hollow when you consider that she allowed underage Kylie to butcher herself and won’t press charges against Tyga.
I’ll be impressed when she comes and gets her own daughter, but that would require more than words.
has the video been taken down? it wont play for me and says it violates youtube policy :/
It’s so obvious to me now that she’s been a woman all along. She looks more “right” now to me than she used to when she presented as a man. Then, every time I saw her I felt something was all wrong.
I always saw Dorothy Hamill. Now I know why. Seriously!
This was a very touching and moving speech. I have nothing against anyone at all in their choices of lifestyle. Just like others in this post, it just looks like Bruce Jenner in a dress. I think the whole Caitlyn thing has been shoved down peoples throats (unlike Chaz Bono, and the little girl Jazz on TLC) a bit too much. I hope this journey in her life makes her happy. And yes, she needs to work on her parenting skills with her own kids.
She treats herself and lives her life with great dignity. It’s so rare within the rest of her own family and everywhere else today.
That’s why we hear her. That’s why we feel for her and listen to her. That’s why she captivated the room full of athletes, jocks and the nation last night. We could all learn so much from her.
Want to be taken seriously when you open your heart? Don’t be a spectacle.
I was surprisingly unmoved by her speech. The words were nice but the presentation felt hollow. I just don’t think what she had to say had anything to do with the ESPYS. Having the kardashians in the first two rows angling for camera time also soiled the award show for me. His biological children were seated behind them . ESPN did this for ratings . Also I think there is so much more to being a women than wearing a dress , putting on heels and wearing makeup but that’s the main thing he focussed on . Kind of over it!also I love how they showed a commercial for his new show after his speech . That was another of Caitlyn’s demands.
Yes and no. Her bilogical children Kylie and Kendall were sitting next to their Kardashian sisters As far as I could see. Maybe for support. Because however difficult and brave it is to come out as transgender, it is difficult for the family as well.
caitlyn is not a “he.” it’s her new show.
I’m sorry if I offended you, you’ll have to forgive me since I’ve known Bruce as a male for my entire life! He/She also celebrated Father’s Day this year, so I think Caitlyn even understands it’s going to take some time. I wish people would stop being over sensitive on this subject and so quick to label people when they don’t address this issue exactly the way they want people to.
She’s still the same person inside as Bruce was…a terrible parent, a lousy spouse, and a fame-whore who seems to think that being a woman is all about implants, weaves, makeup, and fashion. If she were truly serious about helping other trans people, she’d be out there using her wealth and fame and platform to do good work for the sake of doing good work, rather than doing the pap stroll and filming an un-reality show that will make her millions more dollars. She didn’t deserve this award and she’s not a good role model for the trans community. Lauren Hill, Devon Still and his daughter Leah, Noah Galloway…all much more deserving of this award than Caitlyn.
I totally agree. His daughters really need some guidance now, and he’s clearly too busy thinking about his new found freedom to wear dresses in public. I also feel being in a car accident would be a traumatic experience, but he seems to have moved on from that as well.
THIS!
The transgender community needs a voice but not this one.
I know a few who are parents and if anything they became better parents because they knew this would effect their children too.
Lauren Hill was absolutely more deserving, not even close. Jenner is nothing more than a fame seeking deciple of PMK. Perhaps this was more of a thank you from ABC for being granted the interview. I’m sure the family of the woman he killed aren’t exactly having warm and fuzzy feelings about this either. But you know to Jenner that incident was just a bump in the road.
Agreed
Perfectly stated, Robin. This is not a person that any cause should want representing it.
THIS ^^
No need to add a thing to this Caitlyn PR saga!
The name of the award is mis-leading, it is not only for ‘courage’, it is described as being for individuals whose “contributions transcend sport”. Last year’s recipient was Michael Sam, the NFL’s first openly-gay player. Just by coming out, he did something that transcends sport.
Regardless of what anyone thinks of Bruce or Caitlyn, by coming out, and getting people talking, and bringing network tv attention to stats like 41% of transgender people attempt suicide and 20% are homeless at some point…using the K-family notoriety and Olympic name-recognition. This is a contribution that transcends sport. Even if she never does anything else.
Caitlyn has also given the public the private story of her experience plus the well-known Olympic example of ultimate “masculinity” – it is a fascinating story that may educate and influence people who don’t understand, as well as generations who snicker about “sex-change operations”. That transcends sport, and benefits young kids and adults of any age who are transgender.
She absolutely meets the specific definition of the award, as does Michael Sam.
While I agree with everything Robin said, I also agree with Justagirl’s comment. Is Caitlyn the perfect person to do this? She is because she’s extremely known. Maybe others are more deserving, but she’s carrying a message to millions of people who would’ve not heard of this otherwise.
Just reading Dlisted’s comments can make anyone realize that this could be Pimp Mama Kris herself and it would still be more important to save the message rather than try to discredit the messenger.
Everyone is all about Caitlyn.
LOL
I think it is a beautiful journey but unfortunately it won’t ring true to a lot of people, because it is an amazing journey for someone with tons of money to spend reshaping their face, and getting every inch of their body perfected for this moment. I have never met a transgender in my life (to my knowledge) but I mean, this is Mozambique, and you can imagine the stigma in an african community. But I suppose not everyone can go to the best plastic surgeons and get such a perfect job.
I guess it is “easier” to come out and win awards when you come out of your closet looking so gorgeous. Many people don’t have that luck. They dream of being swans and they are stuck in their male features, no matter what they do. They have people hating them for being themselves, and doors closed, jobs lost, etc.
This is the reality. If I were to be a transgender I could not relate to her. I am happy for her, she is very happy, very lucky and shouldn’t apologize for being able to fulfill her dream at 65 years old. But This is Caitlyn’s story. It’s not the average citizen’s story.
+1, Minz.
+2
+3
+4. Well said.
YT snatched it down already. 🙁
Very much understand the mixed feelings about Caithlyn.
However the speech was lovely and well performed. No doubt she had help writing it but who wouldn’t need some help with that kind of thing.
She looked stunning and very femine. The dress was a perfect choice.
I see a lot of comments that touch on thoughts and struggles I’ve had specifically with Caitlyn so I don’t quite feel so bad for not fist-pumping her speech.
Still though, even though there’s a part of me that thinks “This woman will never really do anything for this cause” some part of me hopes beyond her past actions and current superficiality that she will. That she’ll take a step away from the Kardashian method of success and actually self-sacrifice and try to help others.
While I know the saying is charity begins at home I also think compassion should be included. Compassion begins at home. Love begins at home. I am and continue to be in awe of my mother for the things she has sacrificed in her own life for my support and comfort. What shocks me the most is there isn’t a “I have to, this is my role”. She truly, and this feels weird to say lol, loves me so much that these sacrifices are natural. It is a deep and consuming love that I wonder if I’m even capable of. When I look at Caitlyn and see her past and current treatment and concern for her children I get only coldness from her. A selfishness that goes beyond her struggles with gender.
Still, I cross my fingers and hope for once SOME member of this family will surprise me and turn out to be a decent person.
Wow, what you said about your mother was beautiful, Side-Eye.
She sounds a lot like my mom, actually.
Agree with you about Caitlyn as well. We can hope…
I would feel warmer towards her if I didnt read so many articles/comments this past week ripping Serena and Venus to shreds about how they look as women in the sporting community. There’s some hyprocrisy here. Not necessarily here on this site, but enough all over to break my heart. I’m happy that Cait is having some level of acceptance, because what I see is a major representative for female black athletes still struggling for the same acceptance.
I do understand how anyone says Serena and Venus don’t look feminine…those girls have curves for days and are beautiful.
Even some commenters here are saying Caitlyn is just “man in a dress”. This is why it’s so important to challenge standards, we all benefit as a society from a change in what’s required for a person to be called male or female.
She’s only been Caitlyn for a few short months, and there have been photos on her way to & from lgbt events/offices….yet online posts discuss her outfits, the K family, her choice of botox/fillers & the effects, her intentions, her past, etc.
Those pap photos could be the starting point for intelligent conversations & awareness – I think she’s smart enough to know that. Whether the media & the rest of us in general jump on board is the question…
I tuned in last night specifically to see Caitlyn, I found her Diane Sawyer interview very informative and moving. I also had tears during her speech last night.
She mentioned avoiding relationships and escaping herself – being in the wrong body & not knowing what to do about it, it’s not hard to see a dotted line to why Bruce behaved the way he did in those first 2 marriages. It’s inexcusable, yet if Bruce had been battling “only” depression or mental illness, there would be more compassion for his poor choices. And that right there says a lot about the respect we should have for trans people.
It seems a bit early to debate how effective she is for the trans community…. she has only been Caitlyn for a brief time. Despite having spent a lifetime identifying as female, there still must be a significant amount of mental & emotional processing going on.
It’s a massive change and unfair to criticize how she’s spending her time and her impact. I can’t imagine the balance between exuberance & renewed energy at finally being who she truly is, and exhaustion from the emotional aspects.
Given that Caitlyn was a motivational speaker in the past, she did a really good job last night. Even my gruff redneck dad was moved by it & he is generally weirded out by Caitlyn which is why I like that Caitlyn is putting a “familiar face” on transitions). I wish Caitlyn would focus on her youngest kids though…
Kylie is literally (and surgically) becoming someone else and if we all remember being in high school, there were kids who tried so hard manifesting superficial distractions because something on the inside isn’t quite right. She never had a chance; she grew up on reality TV without a choice in the matter. Caitlyn or her other normal kids should reach out to Kylie because all i see is a lost 17 year old in a relationship with a predatory adult and no guidance from any adult that cares about her outside of $$$. Kendall was able to escape but high school drop out Kylie is setting herself up for a life of selfies and pretending to be something she’s not for an instagram like. That’s sad to me and I don’t know how Caitlyn can’t see that.
Courage is the people who put their lives on the line such as the soldiers who fought for this country and come back amputees that then go on to help others. Courage is a young girl playing basketball for the last time and dying with dignity. There is nothing courageous about be transgender, you are confusing that with identity confusion. This should have been on a reality tv show like he is used to doing. ESPN will soon be off the air.
I am always struck at how blessed Caitlyn is with her financial ability and access to resources to aid her in feeling that her body matches her soul.I just hope that her incredible public access is used not just to display her fashion sense but to help others without resources who are in despair and need support Please do not escape the Kardashians only to become one. Also remember Rene Richards who came out as transgendered in the tennis world years ago?
I am all Caitlyn’d out.
Meh. Maybe I am just being jaded, but I can’t help think that she hasn’t had this much attention since she was Bruce Jenner winning gold medals. Does she deserve all the adulation? Not in my opinion.
Totally undeserved.
In my mind, this is Caitlyn’s opportunity to use or lose. Time will tell if her transition and the podium she now commands is something genuine–a platform to do something powerful and actually help people, or a money and fame-grab. Can she rise above the Kardashian bullshit and do something good? We’ll be watching………..
Worse family ever in the history of Hollywood. Don’t care. The Marines who died today are heroes not this idiot,
Amen.
They died trying to kill others, nothing heroic about that either,
I wish we could just be humans who want to look a certain way or dress a certain way or be a certain way; instead of always identifying as male or female. Maybe there is more than male and female? Why can’t Caitlyn still be Bruce just the way she is now?
Lauren Hill was by far more deserving and more beautiful than this botoxed and spanxed idealized variation of female beauty.
How are more feminists not riled by the package Caitlyn is selling? She looks like an idealized female comic book derivative. Selling the lowest common denominator of ‘t;ts & a$$’ and all the upkeep that entails. She has made the whole thing taudry.
Caitlyn has had to struggle with her identity, but she still had all the benefits of being a championed man in society. She is now considered a woman, but she will never deal with the day to day eye roll worthy behavior towards women. She absolutely won’t now that she is being placed up on some weird societal pedestal.
I’m reserving my respect and admiration for the lovely ‘trans’ gal who works at the local Wal mart. She’s young and without means and works with what she can. That young lady is brave to me. Not this circus. Never thought I’d say it but poor Kylie. One mom who makes Faust look like a delittante and the other mom, too busy flipping her new tracts and fitting in to her ‘Caitlyn’ wardrobe to be involved.
Yeah this was ramblesome and I’llI’ll probably get yelled at for being insensitive. Have at it.
Sorry. but evey time I see her she looks totally awkward and I just cant get over the big man hands and man voice ! Laverne Cox looks totally stunning and very feminine you would never know she was born male……………..but Caityln is just Bruce in womens clothing looking awkward.
My son is trans. He came out to his dad and me at 13. I am SO PROUD of my kid. After he came out to us, he went back to school a week later as the boy he felt he was born as. I feared for him because one day, he was a pretty young tween girl in school, and the next he was..well..Him. Cut his hair off and dressed as all other boys do (saggy pants!! Ugh!..lol) It went about as you would expect. A few friends supported him but it got so bad he had to quit school from the bullying. He is now 22 and is getting married next month to a wonderful woman! I could not be more proud of him. His joy is all over FB and I’m bursting with pride. He tells everyone about who he is and how he was born.
I posted about Cait on FB when she came out and my son “liked” the post but he has never said boo to me about Caitlyn. He doesn’t and never has thought much about the K Clan anyways. He’s not into vapid…lol!
Just wanted to add my voice in part because Kitten was wondering how some the non-HWood trans folks think about Cait.
Congratulations on supporting your son. I know how hard it is for parents to accept they have a transgender child.
It is interesting how the transgender community doesn’t care much about Caitlyn, I think they don’t feel like they need more drama because she’s part of the Klown Klan after all.
In any case, congratulations to your son for the wedding. God bless you and your family.
Why would YouTube take down the videos? Sad. I wanted to see this speech.
The Jenner daughters should have sat in front of kim.
I’m sure they wanted to but the attention whore needed to be front and center – I can’t even IMAGINE what it would be like to be behind that ass – it’s so huge, it probably has its own gravitational pull.
Maybe the Jenner girls didn’t want to be in front. They seem to be feeling awkward about it, probably torn in different directions. So the seating arrangement might actually be protective. Kim probably wouldn’t think that deeply about it, but Khloe and Kourtney would. Or the kids might have just asked outright to not be in front. Likewise his older kids might have been happy to be more in the background rather than part of the circus that comes along with the cameras. Anyway, I suspect everybody sat where they wanted to sit.
Plus – the Brody boys are very tall and the little Kardashian ladies would not have been seen. Khloe and Kendall the exceptions.
Had grown weary of all the “Caitlyn” news, although I supported her decision to be herself.
However, I was moved to tears watching Caitlyn deliver an inspirational, genuine, and off-the-cuff (meaning it did not sound staged) message that has importance to all of us. Very well done.
Just found this pix – not looking for it, just researching body types. I cannot believe it – looks like “Angelina’s stylist” also furnished Angelina’s dress. Did Caitlyn get a discount or freebie: Decide for yourself”. Sorry I could not extract the image with the dress to paste, so here is the whole bit.
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-lollipop
She really looked amazing, too bad the video are deleted now 🙁