Caitlyn Jenner Receives Standing Ovation During ESPY Appearance
In her “first major public appearance since coming out as transgender,” Caitlyn Jenner received a standing ovation when she received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYs last night. After a video, she was introduced by Abby Wambach and Jenner’s speech was “a rallying cry for the fair treatment of transgender youth.” Jenner: “If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead, because the reality is I can take it. But for the thousands of kids out there coming to terms with the truth of who they are, they shouldn’t have to take it. … We’re all different. That’s not a bad thing. That’s a good thing” (TIME.com, 7/16).
Jenner's "powerful speech" took "a serious turn when she addressed bullying, suicide and murder plaguing the transgender community" (N.Y. POST, 7/16). Several celebrities turned to social media, with "beautiful, moving and inspirational" being "the most common words" used to describe Jenner and her speech (USMAGAZINE.com, 7/15). Read the transcript of Jenner's speech.
The network morning shows all teased Jenner's ESPY speech in their opening segments, with ABC’s “GMA” airing the headline “Caitlyn’s Courage,” NBC’s “Today” showing “We’re All Different” and “CBS This Morning” using “Jenner’s Emotional Plea.” ABC’s Robin Roberts said Jenner gave a “powerful, emotional speech” (“GMA,” ABC, 7/16). “ET” correspondent Kevin Frazier said the “award didn’t come without controversy. Some thought the award should have gone to the late Lauren Hill” (“CBS This Morning,” 7/16). NBC’s Hallie Jackson: “Even with all the controversy surrounding Jenner's award for courage at the ESPYs, she delivered a speech that many are calling poignant this morning, powerful, and one that had the audience on their feet” (“Today,” NBC, 7/16).
