Caitlyn Jenner's transition to a woman was overwhelming. It took the former Olympic decathlete years to get out of the closet and reveal her true self after being looked up as one of the macho men. The support she received was way more than she expected. This time, Jenner is on her way to finding a new love.
According to a report from Star via OK! Magazine, Jenner, 65, was spotted with transgender actress Candis Cayne in New York. After Caitlyn's first appearance for Gay Pride weekend, the two instantly hit it off. Candis was even caught rubbing Jenner's shoulder nonstop.
An insider revealed that the two felt an instant attraction towards each other, and, in fact, would be perfect for one another. "After her monumental life change, Caitlyn's ready to open up her heart again," a source told Star. "She's basically been through the exact same struggles and confusion, so she'd be the perfect person for Caitlyn to lean on as she continues her journey and transition."
Aside from Jenner's budding love life, another blessing is about to come her way as ESPN announced that she will be receiving Arthur Ashe Courage Awards this month. This is not a mere speculation, Brian Stelter tweeted that ESPN confirmed this.
ESPN confirms that Caitlyn Jenner will be receiving the @ESPYs Arthur Ashe Courage Award this July. h/t @JimMiller
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) June 1, 2015
The announcement received a mixed reaction from the public. Many were happy for Jenner but some do not feel that she deserves it. Among those who criticize ESPN's decision is sportscaster Bob Costas, who called it "crass exploitation play - it's a tabloid play." In "The Dan Patrick Show" this week, Costas said that he is not against Jenner and he agreed that it takes personal courage to do what Jenner did, but he believes there are other great candidates, sighting Lauren Hill as one, For The Win reports.
On the other hand, Maura Mandt, ESPY's co-executive producer tells Sports Illustrated of the basis of the judgment, "I think Caitlyn's decision to publicly come out as a transgender woman and live as Caitlyn Jenner displayed enormous courage and self-acceptance. Bruce Jenner could have easily gone off into the sunset as this American hero and never have dealt with this publicly. Doing so took enormous courage. He was one of the greatest athletes of our time."
Mandt disagreed with Costas' comment that it was done for publicity and even stressed that she has been with the show for 20 years and took it very seriously. She also emphasized that Jenner's selection follows the same process as how selection was done in the previous years, which includes meeting the potential recipient and those close to him as well as consulting the people in the community and those from Ashe Foundation.
