On Wednesday, Caitlyn Jenner accepted her Arthur Ashe Courage Award. She donned a white Versace gown and moved the athletes and celebrities, who attended the event, with her acceptance speech, Us Weekly reports.
In her speech, Jenner admitted that she was in a state of limbo in the past months as her transition to a woman had brought her different experience and emotions. To ease everyone, she jokingly said that she was more pressured in choosing her outfit for the said event. She asked for forgiveness in case her fashion does not reach their standard saying, "Please be kind on me. I'm new at this," Gossip Cop has learned .
She continued her speech on a more serious note, acknowledging that with the overwhelming of being in the spotlight comes responsibility. She stressed that how athletes and celebrities conduct themselves or live their lives is absorbed by millions of people, but as for her, she is sure with her responsibilities.
The Courage Award recipient is asking everyone to be more open minded and accepting when it comes to trans people, as they also deserve respect.
"Trans people deserve something vital. They deserve your respect and from that respect comes a more compassionate community, and a better world for all of us," Jenner said as quoted by Us Weekly.
She said that trans people have been struggling, and there are still lots of work to do. So, she urged the audience to join her and make this issue their concern as well.
Jenner continued her speech with an obvious dedication to the LGBT community, "If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead. I can take it. But the reality is for the thousands of kids out there coming to terms with who they are, they shouldn't have to take it."
According to Global News, ESPN has presented this award to prominent lesbian, gay and transgender in the past three years. Last year's recipient was Michael Sam, an openly gay football player. Thus, it is not a surprise Jenner was selected after her fierce announcement about her sexuality.
However, Caitlyn's recognition was questioned by others who believe that someone else deserve the award. One of them is Count Jessica Steindorff, who was involved in a February Malibu traffic accident with Jenner. Steindorff and Kim Howe's stepchildren sued Jenner for the accident, which caused one woman's life.
"I find it difficult to understand how the culture we live in can honor a person who is responsible for taking a life and injuring several others with both an award and a reality show," Steindorff told ET.
"For an individual who is such a positive role model in many aspects of her life, Caitlyn has failed to do the right thing and take responsibility for her actions," Steindorff adds.
Authorities are still investigating the details of the accident, but Steindorff and others who accused Jenner might be disappointed. In a report from TMZ, Jenner will not likely be charged with a felony and the highest charge she could face, is, at most, a misdemeanor.
