Caitlyn Jenner Delivers Powerful ESPYS Speech Amid Criticism

                                      

The 2015 ESPY Awards aired Wednesday, and it was a successful evening for Caitlyn Jenner. In a stunning white versace dress, she accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. With support from the Kardashian-Jenner clan backstage, Caitlyn delivered an emotional speech. She openly spoke about what it felt like to be alone in the wrong skin for 65 years. Her words also encouraged the world to accept one another as they are, including the transgender community.


               


The Arthur Ashe Courage Award represents what an athlete has done to impact the athletic community. Formerly known as Bruce Jenner, Caitlyn Jenner was one of the greatest Olympic athletes of our time. During the speech, Caitlyn made it clear that she understands the power of the spotlight, and the responsibility it holds. For years, she has motivated people in sports to chase their dreams, and she will continue to do the same for the transgender community.

Since the ceremony came to a close, there’s been backlash about whether or not Caitlyn Jenner was deserving of this award. Viewers took their not so positive thoughts to social media, explaining why other athletes should have won the Courage Award. One user tweeted, “Lauren Hill wins Best Moment award at 2015 ESPYS, should have won Arthur Ashe Award as well.” Lauren was a college basketball player for Mount St. Joseph University who fought hard against cancer and gave it her all despite her sickness. Her legacy will be remembered through her motto: never give up.



           

Another comment was made by actor and film director, Peter Berg, via Instagram. He shared a side by side picture of Caitlyn Jenner and U.S. Army Veteran Gregory D. Gadson, who lost two legs fighting for our country. Here’s what he had to say. Rude or Right?



    

Past recipients of this prestigious award include Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, and Michael Sam, the NFL’s first openly gay player. Despite all of the backlash, this was still an inspiring and historical night for Caitlyn Jenner.



-Alexandria Moreland