Caitlyn Jenner – An Analysis Of Her ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award

Jenner’s ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award got a lot of media attention. Just like his transition from Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn, tongues are wagging and the critics are out to play.

It’s a fair game arguably. How does one comprehend that this manly athlete who won an Olympic medal is now a woman?

How can we grasp the fact that, Bruce Jenner, the father of America‘s Kardashian-Jenner clan and ex-husband of a 22 year old marriage is now Caitlyn Jenner?

Like many, I couldn’t decide if he/she was comical, insane, unfortunate or just plain despicable. The one thing I was sure of was that acceptance of Miss Caitlyn Jenner was not an option. According to ESPN, ” Arthur Ashe awards was created to honor those whose contributions transcend sports through courageous actions. This could be over a lifetime or demonstrated in a single act that shines light on a Contemporary important issue”.

This year, the organizers chose to honor Caitlyn Jenner for embracing her identity in the public eye, hereby promoting acceptance. I almost closed my eyes as she walked up the stage to pick up the ESPY Arthur Ashe Award. Not even the grand introduction, could make seeing her dressed up and walking like a woman, appealing to the eyes.

The ESPY Arthur Ashe awards is no joke as Caitlyn Jenner was greeted with a standing ovation. She spoke about hard work that resulted in her success as an athlete. Caitlyn joked about the hard work involved in playing dress-up as a woman, and pled that the same respect accorded to athletes, should be shown to the Transgender community.

Caitlyn Jenner, a true ambassador of the Transgender community, talked about their struggles and how public acceptance is much needed for their existence. She spoke confidently and courageously. For the first time, the reality of the struggle for acceptance hit home. Her hands were trembling and you could tell the 65 year old, celebrated Olympic medalist, spoke from the heart.

No doubt, Caitlyn Jenner has owned her identity. She said “it’s not just about me, it’s about all of us, accepting one another. We are different. That’s not a bad thing, it’s a good thing”

An emotional Caitlyn Jenner was teary eyed as she thanked her family and friends for their immense support. She expressed her resolve to be firmly behind the Transgender community. “I know I’m clear with my responsibility going forward, to tell my story the right way; for me, to keep learning, to reshape the landscape of how trans’ issues are viewed, how trans’ people are treated,” she said.

Caitlyn emphasized on a very simple idea: “Accepting people for who they are.”

I personally do not understand gender transitioning, but I agree with ESPY that Caitlyn Jenner has shown tremendous courage.

Hard as it is coming to terms with people who are different, the reality of life, is that they exist and they are human. Let’s take a cue from Caitlyn Jenner’s touching speech. We can learn to accept people for who they really are.

Watch full speech below.

Written by Ms Cheeks