The speech of a lifetime

So much has been said already about Caitlyn Jenner, and sadly so much of it has been negative. I've even heard other members of the transgender community say things like “she is selfish and doesn't care about others.” Last night she was center stage at an awards show and to say she gave a powerful speech would be an understatement, and I've already heard people say that she changed their minds.

“If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead. I can take it,” she said last night in accepting her Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS. “But for the thousands of kids coming to terms with who they are, they shouldn’t have to take it.” Caitlyn spoke after a video presentation that showed her life from her earliest days. through her Olympic victory and her decision to come out as transgender. Among the many interviewed in that documentary was her mother, who also accompanied her to the award show and who displayed the biggest supportive smile I have ever seen.

The audience in the theatre seemed to show respect, bursting into applause several times during Caitlyn's speech. World Cup champion Abby Wambach presented the award during last night's telecast which was closely watched to see the various sports awards, but also because so many had been talking about Caitlyn Jenner. I was watching and afterward closely monitoring comments in the media and on facebook and twitter. So many people have been supportive since then, and how wonderful is that?

I was the speech of a lifetime. “Trans people deserve something vital,” she said. “They deserve your respect. And from that respect, comes a more compassionate community, a more empathetic society and a better world for all of us.” Indeed. Talk about changing the world!  Thanks Caitlyn for your courage and for helping to change the world!