The Best Moments From Caitlyn Jenner’s Emotional ESPYs Speech
If you only watch one thing today, make it this: Caitlyn Jenner‘s incredibly moving speech about transgender rights last night’s ESPY Awards.
The powerful video’s going viral, with all corners of the internet applauding Jenner on her presidential-caliber address. Caitlyn opened with a joke about the pressure of finding a dress for the event (Versace, FYI), and then delved into deeper issues surrounding the transgender community–particularly young people and teens.
“It is so wonderful to be here tonight,” Caitlyn said. “The last few months have been a whirlwind of so many different experiences and emotions. But to tell you the truth, it seems like every time I turn around in life, I’m putting myself in these high-pressure situations.”
We’ve highlighted a few brilliant moments from her Jenner’s ESPYs speech below, but if you have some time keep scrolling to watch the full address–trust us, it’s worth the 10 minutes.
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On her responsibility as a public figure:
“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. And then more broadly to promote a very simple idea: accepting people for who they are. Accepting people’s differences.”
“While it may not be easy to get past the things you don’t always understand. I want to prove that it is absolutely possible if we only do it together.”
On being mocked by the public:
“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.”
On transgender rights:
“Trans people deserve something vital: They deserve your respect.”
“Now, as of this week, it appears that trans people will soon be serving in the military. That’s a great idea. We have come a long way. But we have a lot of work to do.”
