Caitlyn Jenner picked up the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at this year's ESPY Awards. The onetime decathlete gave a thorough, enlightening speech about her own experiences as a transgender woman, some statistics concerning suicide and safety among transgender youth, and advocacy for acceptance.
Considering Jenner admits she only met another transgender person for the first time months ago, it's especially rad that she's seized the opportunity to be a visible advocate for the transgender community. Unfortunately, some folks on Twitter can't quite wrap their heads around the idea that Jenner is “brave” and deserving of a courage-themed trophy. They made themselves known.
Shoot I'd rather that little girl Leah who battled with cancer get the Arthur Ashe award than Bruce Jenner. #ESPYS
– LeStank James (@HisStankness) July 16, 2015
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Caitlyn isn't suffering from a life-threatening disease, so she must not be brave. Right.
People change their genders everyday. What makes Caitlyn Jenner brave? Her finances? Spare me
– Young Jefè (@Richkid_life) July 16, 2015
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Caitlyn Jenner can't be brave because there is more than one transgender person. Also, Caitlyn has some money. So there. And what could be a more precise statistical analysis than “People change their genders everyday”?
If Caitlyn Jenner wants to be a girl that's his business and its whatever. But for America to label him brave is ridiculous to me.
– Young Jefè (@Richkid_life) July 16, 2015
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Calling Caitlyn “brave” is just inarticulate. Let's stick with the more descriptive “whatever.”
Caitlyn Jenner is not brave Caitlyn Jenner is outta control
– mehkismoove (@GloboyKi) June 24, 2015
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Did anyone else read this and envision Caitlyn soaring through the ESPYs on roller skates and pulling down a curtain?
I think Caitlin Jenner is brave for what she's done but idk how becoming a woman is sports related. Idk :/
– MIRO (@WorkOfMiro) July 16, 2015
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Why don't you ask that question to past Arthur Ashe Award recipients like Nelson Mandela and Robin Roberts? The trophy commemorates achievement that “transcends” sport. Being a Wheaties-certified icon of American masculinity who openly accepts her truth as a transgender woman probably qualifies.
I'm low key so mad Caitlyn Jenner is getting that bravery award. I'm sorry but I KNOW there are people way more brave than that.
– beth (@bethhaannyyl) July 10, 2015
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You get back to us when you think of one.