Caitlyn Jenner Wows ESPYS Crowd with Emotional Speech
The famed Olympian made her most public statement yet since coming out as a trans woman.
Cailtyn Jenner accepted the 2015 Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS on Wednesday (July 15), and her speech was an inspiring moment that not only focused on her life as an athlete, but also as a member of the trans community. “Trans people deserve something vital: They deserve your respect,” she said. “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 being true to who they are, they shouldn’t have to take it.”
Of her career as an athlete, she noted, "I owe a lot to sports. It's showed me the world." And her message for the fashion critics out there: "Please be kind to me. I'm new at this," she said at the podium in her show-stopping ivory Atelier Versace dress.
For her big night, Caitlyn was also joined by her famous children. "Mine and Kendall's little tears of joy lol. I love my dad," Kylie Jenner tweeted.
Shortly after Caitlyn wowed the room with her emotional speech, celebrities headed to social media to share their reactions.
The world will see even more from Caitlyn when E!'s docu-series I Am Cait premieres July 26.
Check out the fashions from the big night below.
