Last night, Caitlyn Jenner took a page from daughter Kim Kardashian and certifiably broke the Internet, although, unlike her kin, she did it with impeccable grace and humility.
Upon accepting the Arthur Ashe award for courage, Jenner announced that she was committed “to do whatever I can to reshape the landscape of how transgendered people are viewed and treated.”
Related: Emotional Caitlyn Jenner Accepts Ashe Courage Award At ESPYs
Facing the crowd of football, basketball, baseball, and hockey giants, she soldiered on: “If you want to call me names, make jokes and doubt my intentions, go ahead because the reality is I can take it. But for thousands of kids out there coming to terms with the reality of who they are… they shouldn’t have to take it.”
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
You can watch the genuinely moving (and genuinely historic) acceptance speech below. And trust us: If you haven’t already, you owe it to yourself to watch this moment in its entirety.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sznBIipVekU
Glücklich
And I will view it! After my morning brief.
Caitlyn’s looking good. Great hair. Simple, tasteful dress.
Ladbrook
I watched it last night… and yes, her speech was one of the most important moments in LGBT history. “Wow” doesn’t even come close to describing it. It was, in every way imaginable, game-changing.
JB
Oy! The Jennerdashians are such fame whores. They would do absolutely anything for attention–porn movies, stupid reality shows, car crashes, and even gender reassignment. And, apparently, their exploits are validated because the public buys it in droves. Enough already with these wackadoos.
Bauhaus
Gobsmacked.
Rosalynn D'Angela
did C write own speech?
Bob LaBlah
I’ll bet this opportunistic science project DIDN’T send flowers to Arthur’s funeral nor ever invite him to dinner when he was alive.
Masc Pride
Here’s what real courage looks like:
https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_908w/2010-2019/Wires/Images/2014-12-18/AP/Laurens_Fight-05260.jpg&w=1484
While it’s nice that Lauren was still remembered, she was soooooo much more deserving the Ashe Courage Award honor. Shame on the ESPY’s for selling out instead of honoring TRUE courage. I didn’t find Bruce’s speech moving at all. It was just a long plug for his new show. It’s horrible what this once prestigious honor has been turned into over the last couple of years.
JessPH
That was a very inspiring speech. I never really admired her until now.
“If you want to call me names, make jokes and doubt my intentions, go ahead because the reality is I can take it. But for thousands of kids out there coming to terms with the reality of who they are… they shouldn’t have to take it.”
So true. A powerful statement not only about transgenders but for homosexuals and other marginalized communities as well.
Glücklich
@Bob LaBlah:
Not nice Bob.
MarionPaige
my question is: “why is some people’s image of ‘feminine’ always so theatrical?” why doesn’t anybody trans wanna be a frumpy housewife?
Ladbrook
@MarionPaige: They do, you obtuse dumbass. They just don’t end up on television as celebrities. Here in town one of our local non-profits is run by a transwoman, and she does exceptional work and is greatly respected… but if I have to be honest, she’s very much on the frumpy side.
@Bob LaBlah: Hating the Kardashian clan is a perfectly acceptable set of emotions (there’s much there to despise), but don’t confuse Jenner the celebrity with Jenner the transgendered human who just wants the same thing everyone else wants… to feel normal.
Bob LaBlah
@Ladbrook: Here’s what I saw in/with Jenner “transformation”. Slowly, methodically, release pictures over a year or so “suggesting” femininity” to the tabloids (National Enquirer and such) to measure the publics response. Once it seems as though there is an “audience”, go for the jugular. Or in other words feel out the MARKET first before displaying the product. Those photographers were TOLD when to photograph him. In my mind I simply can not see any of those pictures being snapped as “spy” pictures. In many, it seems as though he is trying TOO hard to show he did not pose or know they were being taken. The main one (and had me wondering if this was all of crock of shit) was the one with the thong. That is when I knew this bastard was going to pull a “Kardashian”, shall we say. And “it” didn’t let me down.
Seriously, where the hell was this fraud as for the rights/protection of gay or transgendered people during the numerous times when support was needed from damn near ANYONE who could get the issue on the front page? Is it possible/plausible that he KNOWS, thanks more or less to his celebrity and wealth, that he may as well be considered immune from physical attack or be denied anything based on his celebrity and wealth that he sure as hell is going to gain more of now? How many of you can afford a $1k per night room in a hotel? How many of you are offered designer clothes and best seats in the house at fashion shows (and take into consideration how many years you have been “out”, shall we say)?
Young folks don’t think anymore. How the young’un’s don’t get irritated by this still “tucking” science/social experiment with something still hanging and bouncing around down there is beyond my comprehension. Yes, kiddies. I do NOT believe Jenner is gay nor ever had an attraction to men. This guy is full of it but what is getting him richer is he knows how ignorant many in the gay community are. He is right because no one seems to be asking questions about him. He audience/interviews are well selected in advanced. Not everyone has the luxury of saying WHO will be allowed to interview them. You go figure as to why that is. And be sure to start with Kathy and Hoda in your investigation.
Cagnazzo82
@aliengod: Also that guy who lost his limbs (Noah Gallagher) is thoroughly hot.
Not so sure about Caitlyn, but I can’t hate on her.
I just think Noah deserved it more.
AtticusBennett
@Masc Pride: of course you didn’t find it inspiring. Hating Caitlyn Jenner is one of those things you have to do so your piece of s**t trash family will pretend they’re not as ashamed of you as you know they are. you could drop dead today and nobody in your family would shed a f***ing tear.
That_Scarecrow
@AtticusBennett:
Keep going. Every attack loses you a little more credibility. Soon you’ll be reduced to weight loss spam.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM7OS19Bt3s
Masc Pride
@Bob LaBlah: That’s so true. Everything Jenner/Kartrashian is super contrived. All these stunts were been planned long ago. People seem to be catching on to it. Having someone from that family represent trans is probably the worst thing that could happen for trans people. The first thing Americans think when they think trans is Jenner/Kartrashian/shameless attention-wh0ring. Not flattering at all.
Masc Pride
@Cagnazzo82: There were lots of more honest and deserving candidates. The honor was clearly paid for…again.
Cagnazzo82
@Masc Pride: There’s already allegations flying that that might’ve been the case. I’m not sure what to think, but it’s not out of the realm of possibilities.
Also I mistook Noah’s last name above. It should be Noah Galloway, not Gallagher 🙁
But yeah, Noah Galloway was one of the runner’s up. His personal story fits perfectly with this type of award.
McShane
Nice acceptance speech. That Sam Taub story is gut wrenching. Seriously, just awful.
CAUTION: Flame War in Progress Exit Thread as Soon as Possible
Glücklich
@McShane:
Concurred all points.
Right behind you.
Desert Boy
Caitlyn Jenner served classic Hollywood glamour. She looked amazing. Her acceptance speech brought tears to my eyes. Imagine having to wait 65 years to live an authentic life? But, Caitlyn has arrived and the LGBT community is all the better for it.
Ladbrook
@Bob LaBlah:
“I do NOT believe Jenner is gay nor ever had an attraction to men.”
That’s true, and nor should you believe he was gay because he was NOT gay and never claimed to be. Jenner (when he was Bruce) was attracted to women AND also identified as one. He’s not the first transwoman who finds women appealing, and he won’t be the last.
Your rant betrays quite a hostility to wealth, capitalism, transgenderism, and pop culture in general. Fine… but don’t lay all of that at the feet of one person trying to find happiness with her gender. We are all human, and as such, we are flawed. That means our heroes are flawed as well. You can hate the Kardashian clan for their love of fame and money, but don’t attack Jenner as some “fake” woman just because you don’t like the fact that he can afford to pursue his dreams and goals while others can’t.
AtticusBennett
every time there’s a transgender story it brings out the miserable closeted trolls – which is to be expected. they hate when the type of people their crap families hated the most are living Out, Proud and authentic lives, while internet commenting and spewing their bile is their only “gay outlet”
Referring to Caitlyn as “Bruce” just shows what a simpering worthless f**k you are – and what a sad, pathetic waste of a life you’re stuck in.
Billy Budd
The speech was nice. Nobody can deny that.
Curty
While I believe trans people should not be discriminated against, wearing a dress and putting on makeup does NOT make you a woman…just saying. There is more than being a woman then dresses, makeup and feminine mannerisms….
DimAsAnEmber
I think that what Caitlyn has done is courageous. But I’m unsure as to whether or not she deserved this award over others. I fully support her transition, but I think the reason she received the award is due in part to her fame, and the media storm surrounding the controversy of her change. And it takes a lot of bravery to be who you are. But I think someone who was more involved within the sports industry may have been more deserving. I personally was hoping to see Lauren Hill receive the award. But saying what I’ve said, I’m glad that Caitlyn has earned the Arthur Ashe award, and the speech she gave was powerful, to say the least.
PJ
@DimAsAnEmber: she’s a former Olympian…
Ladbrook
@faggotfromhell: And the rest of us (the ones on here who are actually human) would pay to see YOU stoned. Maybe we can start a GoFundMe and help you get to Iraq or Syria… You’d love that part of the world. BIG TALL buildings… great views. Enjoy.
Raphael
I just cant with transphobics gays. Cait is Queen!!!!
Jeremy Kinser
One-time warning: If you post hateful, anti-transgender comments on this site, you will be flagged and banned from commenting in the future.
DimAsAnEmber
@PJ: I know that she is, but I mean someone who is more CURRENTLY involved in sports. Although she is a former Olympian, it’s been almost forty years since then. I think it’s time to recognize the newer amazing people that sports can bring us.
Glücklich
@Rosalynn D’Angela:
Almost certainly.
After retiring from sports, Bruce, as Caitlyn was then known, made a good living as a motivational speaker.
Glücklich
@jason smeds:
Please explain. The way I’m reading your comment, you’re critical of Caitlyn’s being styled as the widely idealized straight female standard, i.e., tall, slender, long wavy hair, nicely made-up-up?
I don’t understand the “…not entitled to take the high ground on what a woman should look like” part.
erasure25
@jason smeds: Here’s a napkin. Your transphobia is leaking all over… Calling Caitlyn a “he”? You need a 100 towels to clean up your trans-hate.
Xzamilio
Beautiful. Just absolutely beautiful. I don’t know what it is, but it was just seeing Caitlyn living her life and being happy that always put a smile on my face. It pains me to see the LGB portion of our community making some of these comments about her. It always amazes me when — as a black and gay man — I see people of my identity and orientation making such ignorant statements about a fellow minority group, when WE have rich histories — and present times — of having to deal with the same harmful language and attacks.
I’ll just wish those of you a kind “fuck you” and leave it at that.
Masc Pride
@Jeremy Kinser: While I totally understand enforcing a zero tolerance policy (especially on the net), there were some topics on bisexuality that were flooded with blatantly biphobic comments from Queerty users, and none of the editors said anything. Also, the topics on the Dallas BBQ fight and the black church shooting in SC had quite a few blatantly r*cist comments. Some users were calling blacks the N-word, and you guys didn’t intervene then either. Certain members also frequently post misogynistic, anti-semitic, Islamophobic comments as well. Again, no intervention. Zero tolerance should truly mean zero tolerance for everything and not just the sensitive issue of the moment.
DCFarmboy
If I never hear of her again, it will be a wonderful thing. For that matter, let me extend that to the entire K & Jenner family.
Masc Pride
@erasure25: We’d have to first define what is transphobic. Jenner uses she sometimes but also sometimes identifies with masculine words (guy, dad) as well, even as Caitlyn. By your logic Jenner is transphobic as well.
Desert Boy
@Jeremy Kinser: Finally.
Jeremy Kinser
@Masc Pride:
We try to monitor the comments as frequently as possible, but occasionally a few will slip past our notice. We don’t intentionally give a pass to anyone who spews hateful rhetoric on this site. Feel free to let us know about anything that violates our ToS with an email to [email protected]. Please be respectful of one another.
enlightenone
“…“to do whatever I can to reshape the landscape of how transgendered people are viewed and treated.” As a Republican, good luck with that!
Billy Budd
I dont care if he or she is an attention whore. It was a NICE speech.
DimAsAnEmber
@AtticusBennett: The fact that you say this is painful to read. How can you be so cruel? It won’t teach people anything if you’re as awful as they are. Masc Pride, or whatever his name is, shouldn’t have gone that far, but you should NEVER have gone that far either.
Stefano Gant
She is a republican who contributes thousands $$ to the same people who want to destroy millions lgbt’s’ lives. Does this make any sense ?
Billy Budd
The message was POSITIVE and that is all that matters. The rest is bull. Some of you guys are full of sh*t.
Michael
@Bob LaBlah: Maybe you’re just bitter no one’s attracted to you. You’re the reason the gay community’s so repellent. If you listened, Really Listened, you wouldn’t have written such cynical garbage. And as Caitlin said, it doesn’t what anyone says, “I can take it”. Listen and learn and grow.
thinkagain
@AtticusBennett: Wow, you’re really vicious. It’s great that you’re all about being true to yourself, but you really need to tone down the hatred about 10 notches. That is not an acceptable thing to say to anyone. Period.
Xzamilio
@DimAsAnEmber: I have news for you: Being nice, you’re going to get the same response and closed-mindedness that you would from being vitriolic. The difference is, the latter is low on pretense and rich with getting to the point. You think asking these kinds of monsters nicely to stop being bigoted and discriminating against LGBT people works? It doesn’t. Short of harming someone infringing on their constitutional rights, I see nothing wrong with turning it right back on them and telling them that there are those of us who won’t be so kind and warm to their ignorance.
Saint Law
@jason smeds: “He’s (sic) entitled to dress any way he (sic) likes but he’s (sic) not entitled to take the high ground on what a woman should dress like.”
The way you do you mean on pretty much any thread about a woman or women – toothlessly snarking at not just their appearance but any and every aspect of their sexuality?
And all because no man has touched your withered hide since 1974.
Saint Law
I don’t think Queerty should censor the anti-trans posters.
Aliengunt, Jason’s Meds, Marion Phaide – a roll-call of stupid, more to be pitied than despised, and laughed at than pitied.
Sebizzar
Very moving :’) I truly hope this gave a huge amount of inspiration and hope for trans people everywhere.
R.I.P. to those who didn’t make it.
CaliKyle
@Glücklich: @JB: Agreed. I can’t recall being so disgusted and disappointed with the GLBT community as I am with the display of unwarranted reverence for Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner. At first I was a supporter, but after viewing his interview with Diane Sawyer I completely lost faith in him. In that interview and others since then, including his blog, he’s revealed himself to be inauthentic, fraudulent and disingenuous. There are so many others from the transgender community who are genuinely deserving of our deepest respect and accolades. I’m convinced if he lives long enough there will come a day when we witness another round of interviews with the journalist du jour where Caitlyn reveals that she’s made a mistake, blames it on some third party – probably Kris Jenner because she’s an easy target when it comes to blaming dysfunction – and proudly exclaims, “Call me Bruce!” He really is a horror show and a discredit to the trans community.
CaliKyle
@Saint Law: Not everyone who doesn’t support or even believe in Bruce Jenner’s transition is anti trans. In fact, I am a gay man whose partner is currently undergoing hormone treatment and recently had thyroid cartilage reduction surgery and I am repulsed by the spectacle Bruce has put on, his misrepresentation of the trans community as a whole and the media/public’s completely over the top, unwarranted support for him.
CaliKyle
@Stefano Gant: It makes zero support and in fact lends hefty support to the notion that there is something utterly fraudulent and opportunistic about Bruce’s transition.
CaliKyle
Correction: meant to write “it makes zero sense..”
Will Moor
Absolutely beautiful and moving speech and kudos to Queerty for cracking the whip in this instance.
Tackle
@Jeremy Kinser: Whats the point of issuing the warning, if you are not gonna follow through? Not necessarily saying they should be banned, but you still have posters referring to Caitlyn as Bruce and he, instead of she. Not only is that disrespectful, isn’t that somewhat trains-phobic?
Zenguy
@Bob LaBlah:
Your cynical rant reveals your ignorance and a severe lack of compassion.
You also display a lack of intellect. One’s sexuality is entirely a different issue than one’s gender identity. Bruce wasn’t gay. But now that he is now a she, Caitlyn, her sexual attraction hasn’t changed.
I can’t understand all the animosity and negativity about her. Her speech was inspiring and compassionate. There was so much integrity and honesty, with her sharing the difficult journey to be who she really is. Because she has a public platform, her message can reach and help thousands of people who have similar struggles.
dbmyers
@JB: Is that the best you’ve got? I’ll give you criticisms of the Kardashians as a group, but to imply that Caitlyn’s transition is just more of the Kardashian family “fame-whoring” is disingenuous and disgusting as well. You couldn’t get a more selfless and brave action than that of ANY trans person coming out, but with the hyperfocus publicity that comes with it when it is an historic multiple gold medal winner who’s transitioning, it is truly a heroic act for the benefit of all transgender persons, and indeed foruniversal human rights. You’re just a caustic troll trying to take advantage of the general dislike of the Kardashian family, by targeting its most principled and celebrated member. Shame on you!!!
dbmyers
@MarionPaige: That’s just your own hangup talking. Seriously, does ANYBODY really want to be a “frumpy housewife”? Even so, how do you know there are no “frumpy housewife” transgender persons? There are so many possibilities between “theatrical” and “frumpy housewife” anyway, and I’ll better ever possibility actually exists. You are seriously lacking in basic human empathy.
dbmyers
@Bob LaBlah: You are just a cynical, bigoted pig troll – with not one ounce of compassion. Pathetic.
dbmyers
@Masc Pride: Troll(s) alert everyone!
silveroracle
Posted a comment on the YouTube page about such a beautiful speech from such a beautiful person and got a transphobic remark straight away. So many sad people around.
silveroracle
Needless to say, I have reported that person.
Eddie Jr
I don’t remember all this much support for Chazz Bono. Not glamorous enough? Is it more accepted to trans from male to female? I never liked Bruce Jenner. I find no reason to change my mind because she is Caitlyn. I fully support Trans people, always have. It’s the cult of personality I don’t like. Unfortunately for me, this award just fed this.
kthcst
can we PLEASE drop this already….WHO CARES……..
Kangol
She really did a great job with this speech. Congrats, Caitlin!
Glücklich
@CaliKyle:
I think you may have confused my comment with someone else’s.
I don’t “revere” Caitlyn but I do support her choices to do as she pleases. If she’s doing what makes her happy and she’s not hurting anyone, more power to her.
wpewen
All over the place in what used to be the “gay” media endless discussion about trans people. Tell you what: many of us never thought much about it except we wanted to be helpful. Now that Jenner is doing her thing it is apparent we are being lumped with people who really share little in common with us other than societal rejection. If you say one fucking word about it you are called transphobic. I really have grown to resent this constant hysteria and the hysterical personalities behind it. It’s discrediting the gay movement and there will be a backlash like people cannot imagine. Get the fuck off the stage Jenner, you got your tennis trophies and had your surgery. Anyone who co-mingles with the Kardashians is completely discredited, but apparently in your Republican world of mirrors you don’t see it. God, this is horrible.
enlightenone
What EDDIE JR said is worth repeating: Imagine this is typed in 24!
I don’t remember all this much support for Chazz Bono. Not glamorous enough? Is it more accepted to trans from male to female? I never liked Bruce Jenner. I find no reason to change my mind because she is Caitlyn. I fully support Trans people, always have. It’s the cult of personality I don’t like. Unfortunately for me, this award just fed this.
I will just repeat AGAIN “it’s the CULT” of Republican I don’t like!!!!!!!!!!! I THINK THEY CALL IT VOTING AGAINST THEIR OWN SELF-INTEREST unless protecting your wealth vice your humanity AND HUMAN DECENCY.
Good for Catilyn for having grown a pair at 65 – IRONY. A sports award for using your money to look more like a woman to match your psyche and embrace(?) her lesbian orientation. NOT!!!!!!!!
Bob LaBlah
@Michael:
@Zenguy:
@dbmyers: How does this sound……..When the reality show flops followed by the poorly rated sports award shows, the “womens” magazines and fashion designers all stop calling watch for the sudden “resurrection” of ol’ Br….I tell you what,all of you feel free to call me back in about two years (if that long) and we’ll talk. In the mean time, take care. Hugs and kisses to all of the misguided/blind on this thread. Love you all.
Masc Pride
@Jeremy Kinser: Totally appreciate the reply, Jeremy! However, I’ve used both the flag option and your holla@queerty suggestion in the past, and those seem to slip by you guys as well. With all the blatantly bigoted comments and personal attacking that are both very common here (daily), I honestly had no idea you guys monitored this stuff at all. But thanks anyway!
@CaliKyle: Bingo! A lot of people throwing accusations around have forgotten this whole thing is still a Kardashian/Jenner project. The family knows they have to assume some responsibility of activism in order to pull this off, but they’re also shamelessly sensationalizing to get attention and ratings. I have no doubts that “Call me Bruce”, talking about how he’s still a dad, making sure blogs post him and his kids celebrating Father’s Day (as Caitlyn) are all intentionally to confuse people and stir up controversy.
@Eddie Jr: Chaz wasn’t a Jenner or Kardashian. Plus, I think Chaz meant for the transition to be more private (as private as you can be when you’re Cher’s kid).
Bob LaBlah
@Masc Pride: ” Chaz wasn’t a Jenner or Kardashian. Plus, I think Chaz meant for the transition to be more private (as private as you can be when you’re Cher’s kid).”
I said the same thing about Chaz. I remember watching her back in the 1970’s on the Sonny and Cher and she looked like a shy little girl even back then who didn’t like the spotlight. She does good in the video here but you can tell she really isn’t a performer. I love her though. She’s comfortable who she is and not a poorly talented (as in flaunting in front of a camera) exhibitionist following in the footsteps of equally talentless family members.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqjsAerlAys
Uppity
As a gay man, I know I’m expected to wholeheartedly support Caitlin Jenner. But I don’t. I can’t stand her shameless, vacuous family. I’m mystified by what, apart from the Vanity Fair cover and the Espys award appearance, she’s actually done for transgender people. I dread the fact that we’re now going to be subjected to years of red carpet events where she’s competing with her own daughters for the tightest, most fashion-forward gowns. Every foray away from her gated ivory tower will be big news, while the perilous, horrendous travails of most of the world’s transgender folk remain utterly ignored. Her “courage” will be lauded from pillar to post, while a true 21st century transgender hero like Chelsea Manning, rotting in jail for 35 years, is completely forgotten.
Bob LaBlah
@Uppity: Don’t think for one minute “it” doesn’t have public relations people who get on the net and voice their support of her. Remember, rarely if ever do people post their actual names on sites such as this. Much of this “support” sounds more like staffers of Bruce then actual commenters.
Tobi
Caitlyn Jenner brave? I don’t think so. Julia Grant, who transgendered in the 1970’s and allowed the BBC to document the whole process in ‘George to Julia’ with follow-up programmes spanning several decades was brave, especially given that her vaginal surgery ‘failed’. http://d.pr/5lzT It was jaw-dropping to watch the visceral hate back then from the medical professionals assigned to help her. They forced her to live as a female for two years first whilst under the constant supervision of a psychiatrist who threatened on camera to withhold surgery if she didn’t obey his every command. I think Julia Grant was incredibly brave, Caitlyn Jenner not so much.