Caitlyn Jenner to receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYs

VF caitlyn

Caitlyn Jenner made her big debut on Vanity Fair yesterday. And since we now know her name and that she’s fully identifying as a woman, we will be using her new name and female pronouns. Vanity Fair released more of their cover story and Caitlyn is – at this point – pretty easy-going about that part of her transition. When journalist Buzz Bissinger apologized to Caitlyn about using male pronouns, she said: “I don’t really get hung up. A guy came in the other day and I was fully dressed—it’s just habit, I said, ‘Hi, Bruce here,’ and I went, Oh f–k, it ain’t Bruce, I was screwing up doing it.” Caitlyn also tells VF that she had a 10-hour “facial-feminization” surgery on March 15th, although she thought it was only going to be a five-hour process. And Caitlyn tells VF that she has not had the full gender-reassignment and has no plans to do so.

Something else happened in the wake of Caitlyn’s debut – ESPN confirmed that they would be giving Caitlyn Jenner the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. I’m sure that was decided before the cover but after the Diane Sawyer interview. And I think the award is completely and utterly justified. “Courageous” is exactly the word I’d use to describe how Caitlyn has handled everything. Apparently, Caitlyn will make her first live public appearance at the ESPYs and some or all of her family will be there to support her.

As for the name, there are some interesting stories – all quoting “sources close to Jenner” – floating around about how she chose that specific name (with that specific spelling). TMZ’s sources say that she wanted to be Caitlyn-with-a-C rather than a K because she “wants a clean break from the Kardashians” and Caitlyn “wants to make it clear to her family and the world … she is her own person… we’re told it was an extremely meaningful choice for her … she has never been her own person before, and becoming part of the Kardashian brood would undermine her goal.” Sources told People Mag that she chose Caitlyn out of all names because “The name is what he always loved when he thought about this [female] part of his life.”

Cover courtesy of Annie Leibovitz/Vanity Fair.

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66 Responses to “Caitlyn Jenner to receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYs”

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  1. Loopy says:

    Ok OVERKILL, I have been seeing nothing else on my feeds but this story even sources that wouldn’t usually touch the Kardashian/Jenner stories even some of the urban blogs. Can this please die down now.

    • grabbyhands says:

      I can’t tell if you’re joking or not. I hope so.

      The cover story literally just broke yesterday and this is a huge story for continued transgender recognition in this country. I hope one day that a story like this will not be a big deal because it will mean that the US has finally reached a level of maturity and care that people feel so comfortable with the idea of someone being transgender that it doesn’t even make waves-it is just a human being living their truth.

      If you don’t want to read about it, don’t click on the story. End of.

    • swack says:

      I agree with overkill but not on this story in particular but in all the related stories that talk about how the marriage was so bad, or Kim is jealous or the endless tabloid stories that are going with this. Time to let Caitlyn have some peace by not dragging this with all the dirty laundry of the others that want to ride on the coat tails of this story. Good for her for getting the award and good for her for finally living the life she wants.

      • Loopy says:

        That is half what I meant, the different angles and people coming out of the woodwork with their two cents,even his mother has been contacted by the press. I mean just go to DM its 70% kardashian/jenners.

      • Nicolette says:

        @Loopy, DM is dominated by the Kardashians, ridiculously so. Maybe PMK is on staff.

      • Josie says:

        I understand what you mean. I wish this story was happening with a different family. I could fully enjoy it. It’s just too much of that family. I’m so happy for Caitlyn and fully support her. I just cant stand the rest of that family and they are everywhere! It’s over saturation with them.

      • Susan says:

        She is a part of this family. He sired two of them and lived with Lucifers Homegirls for 2 decades. She doesn’t get a pass from me. And Caitlyn with a C not a K (oh please…) is the one FUELING the Kris kept me in a box story, which I find atrocious. What a whiny weasel assed statement to make about the mother of your children. I understand that he has dealt with a personal issue of great magnitude, however he has let his issues run rough-shod over too many children and wives to even count. There are parents out there who have dealt with all kinds of personal issues while still managing to parent their children. For him to be the icon of the transgender community is sad to me because he obviously has problems, not gender issue problems, personal problems inhibiting his ability to take care of the many lives he has wantonly created with three wives. (As well as the life took in the car accident) Don’t get me started on the name, cutely spelled with a C so she can have personal space. She is a Kardashian through and through, fillers, Botox, glam, how she looks…… Is that what it means to be a woman?

      • swack says:

        @Susan, I did not read the story about their marriage as I’m just disgusted by all the stories that have been popping up on all the rag sites. I’m a firm believer in the “there is his story, there is her story and then somewhere in between is the truth”. My ex painted me as a horrible person who never did anything for him or allowed him to do anything (not true by the way). So I tried not to comment about my marriage as the divorce went through or even afterwards. It truly angers and disgusts me when two people tear each other apart like that – especially in the public eye. I totally agree she has been a horrible father, and even though she had her struggles with this she should have stepped up and been a proper parent. We all have struggles yet somehow most of us (not all) put them on hold while dealing with our family and children.

      • bella says:

        @susan
        you’ve captured in your post exactly what i think.
        perfectly put…thank you!

    • Kasia says:

      to Susan – I fully agree. Is THIS what being a woman is all about? Wearing high heels/ having long hair / red nails/ red lipstick + Botox /fillers and all that stuff? Completely superficial. I am none of these things – does that make me less of a woman?

      I see him/her as a disturbed person. I saw it during that Diane Sawyer’s interview, when Bruce (it was still Bruce back then) mumbled: “I’m just a big lonely boy” just after he declared he had always wanted to be a woman.

      • boredblond says:

        +1. She doesn’t look like Jessica Lange..she looks like Lange 25 years ago, so the narcissism is not all Kardashian. I know it’s glammed for the cover, but defining being a woman as big boobs, five inch heels and playing the victim card does everyone a disservice.

    • Mmhmm says:

      I agree with loopy. Ok, I love Caitlin and how this is turning out, but she won this award? Over Noah Galloway?

      • Ms. D says:

        Exactly. Why is Caitlyn Jenner getting this award for the ESPYs? Has he worked at all with the trans community? Or just posed for a cover and did two interviews? Seems like a way for ESPN to ride coatails on a trending topic to pull in viewers. I just read yesterday about Nate Boyer who was signed to the Seattle Seahawks – he’s a former special forces green beret who served three (3!!!!) tours in Iraq, spent part of his youth volunteering in Darfur/Chad, then walked onto the Univ of Texas football team at 29 (without having played it in high school), and also spends his time working with a charity that helps prevent veteran suicides. No offense to Jenner, but I don’t see why he should get an award for courage over someone like Boyer. Jenner’s story/journey is important but there is too much emphasis and accolades being poured onto celebrities. I realize I’m on a gossip site as I say this and gossip/celebrities have their place for voyuerism and fun in society. But when it comes to influence and honoring great people I wish society knew more about and honoured the stories of a Nate Boyer than a given member of the Kardashian troupe.

  2. mimif says:

    Totally superficial, but I need to know how she fixed her nose. It looks so. much. better.
    And congrats on the award and stuff.

    • QQ says:

      Could it be that everything else in her face(chin/jaw/lips/hairline) shifted and softened (possibly fat or fillers whatever) that the Old Nose just looks more appropriate?

      • mimif says:

        I don’t think so. My forensic skillz have led me to believe that the tip is much more bulbous than it was previously. It looks good! Before it looked anemic.

      • Kiddo says:

        Make-up and photoshop?

      • mimif says:

        Definitely some of that going on, but I’m thinking there’s something more. I shall not rest until I’ve unearthed the truth! Also, HI KIDZILLA! I miss you.

      • Kitten says:

        @Mimif-Look at lordscottishfold on IG.

      • mimif says:

        I’m telling you, Kitten, it’s going to be an all out tagging war on IG here pretty soon.

      • Kitten says:

        I tried to tag you on a bunch of other photos last night but IG got mad at me and told me to stop.

        Also, my feed is almost 100% cats now and the boyfriend is starting to get mad at me because I keep sending him cat pics.

        I have a very serious cat problem. Is there a 12 Step Program for this??

    • Justagirl says:

      To me it looks like the bridge has been narrowed and maybe also flattened a bit, which would help balance the appearance of the tip. I agree, very subtle and skilled work. That’s how it should be done versus so many bad examples.

  3. LB says:

    I do admire the courage involved here but a friend of mine reminded me yesterday that Caitlin was probably responsible for a car crash that led to someone’s death recently and I can’t get it out of my mind now. Whatever happened on that case? Is my newfound focus on that ill placed?

    • Loopy says:

      Just goes to show you, when you are rich and powerful you can get anything buried. And pay off the media to distract the masses.

    • db says:

      While I’m supportive of transpeople generally something about the rollout of Caitlyn’s big reveal isn’t sitting right with me. There are transpeople without Caitlyn’s money and fame to insulate them who have to deal with real life issues. They are the real heroes and heroines to me, and the people who have made it safe for Caitlyn to express her true self.

      As for the crash, I haven’t found any follow up yet. Of course it was an accident but I find the silence about whether or not negligence was involved somewhat odd.

      • Tulip says:

        @DB

        Thank-you! If Caitlyn comes up against people who want to hurt her, she’ll have security guards or, failing that, money to pursue the people who hurt her and see to it that they get taken to court. I agree it was brave of her to do this, but…some acknowledgment about how hard it is for a person without her wealth and connections would have been good to mention.

      • Christin says:

        I find it more gutsy to do this at a much earlier age and face the challenges related to making a career, family issues, affording surgery, etc.

        I went to school with a nice young man who came out as transgender in college — in the late 1980s — in a very conservative area of the U.S. Now that was a struggle and a journey, to watch what he had to do to earn a living and mend his family relationships. He is very open on social media, and it has only been crickets since this story broke.

      • JenniferJustice says:

        Christin, like the transgender teen at our small town highschool. The students were told her was taking steps to become a woman and since then, we’ve all watched from the sidelines as he transitioned into a young woman. I am touched by his bravery and I’m touched by his generation’s support and acceptance. People say we are so behind (Americans) and haven’t progressed, but it’s not true. It may not have happened as quickly as some want, but we are progressing.

    • original kay says:

      Also remember that she was on her cell, while driving, after the woman died.
      The argument “it’s called an accident for a reason” doesn’t come into play, in this situation, for me. An accident is my daughter spilling nail polish remover all over the hardwood bathroom floor. It tipped (it also was a horrid mess), but she learned to take care and take precautions, because her actions had consequences.

      have there been any consequences for Caitlyn after the woman died? I fear not, simply because she was talking on her cell, while driving, AFTER it happened. That’s not understanding that while you are in your car, driving, you need to be paying attention all the time.

      So let’s look for a silver lining and hope that Caitlyn’s actions and courage now help others to understand themselves better, and possibly save their lives, through understanding from others and themselves.

    • bettyrose says:

      LB, that was my first thought when I saw this picture yesterday. 1. Are we supposed to forget she was just involved in someone’s death? 2. Wow, Photoshop.

      • Liberty says:

        This was my first thought too. It’s like it never happened. And I can’t forget she went out speeding in her other car the day after, while her family partied. “Oh well! Someone died! Look at meeee!”

        Heroic? Courage? I’ll save that for my friends battling cancer and setting up foundations to help others. Not people who text others into an early horrific death.

    • Nicolette says:

      Was wondering the same thing. Since “Bruce Jenner” is no more, does the death of this women just get swept under the rug? Mustn’t let a little thing like someone getting killed due in part to his negligence while driving get in the way of the big reveal. PMK trained her well.

    • MonicaQ says:

      My exact thought. I’m sure that woman’s family doesn’t get to enjoy the ESPYs and Vanity Fair covers.

    • Amy says:

      Hopefully it’s not totally swept under the rug but Caitlyn was with Kris long enough to know how to play the game.

    • LouLou says:

      I really do not know what happened with that case, so I hope someone who does lets us know. I was under the impression that Bruce (still Bruce at that time) was not the one who caused the accident, but rather her car was just another vehicle in a multi-car crash. Is that wrong? I’m wondering if she can’t talk about it because it’s under investigation still? Anyone know?

    • boredblond says:

      The woman’s family filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit, and according to the L.A. Times, it’s still ‘under investigation’

    • Jessiebes says:

      Yes this poor woman got killed because allegedly Caithlyn was talking on the phone at the time and rear ended her. Which makes me feel uncomfortable about Caithlyn recieving a bravery award at this time.

  4. Spaniard89 says:

    So many years in men clothing and she has a better style than the Kartrashians. And she seems to know which size she fits in.
    I’m gonna guess she got a better plastic surgeon than them too cause her face looks more natural and less plastic doll. NEVER take style, make-up and surgery advice from them Cailtin, please.

    Honestly I think Caitlin is and looks like a feminine elegant lady. Surprising considering the influence she was surrounded by in that house.

  5. Mispronounced Name Dropper says:

    Ok.

  6. BengalCat2000 says:

    My bff’s father was transgender , I’ve posted many times. After his sudden death, I had a simple dream that he (in the dream he looked like the Man I knew in childhood), looked at me and said “You have to be Who you Are. ”
    It was simple and true and Real. I cannot imagine how difficult it was living 65 years of your life as a person you are not. Caitlyn is brave and beautiful.
    Eta, I will ALWAYS loathe that terrible family and I worry, that despite the education the public is getting regarding transgender issues, that the Kardasians will use it to make themselves look good.

  7. A says:

    Jessica Lange handled that well.

    I don’t know how I’d react if it were me…unPC as it is, no woman wants to be compared to a man in looks. In fact, it’s usually used as an insult towards women and considered offensive due to the fact that it robs a woman of her femininity.
    It is hurtful for many women to be told they are “manly” and “look like men” etc.
    Now, one can argue that bruce is now a ‘woman’, but technically he is not both in dna and in the fact that he hasn’t transitioned yet (if he ever will) and also, as biological women to be told you look like a man or a man dressed as a woman is and always will be hurtful and i think it’s okay to admit that.

    • Shannon1972 says:

      What had me shaking my head is that Jessica Lange got raked over the coals yesterday for not being enthusiastic/supportive enough in her response. What was she supposed to say? Why assume that she has even been following this story and knows who Caitlyn Jenner is?

      And let’s be honest – when a woman is told she looks like a man, I think it’s pretty safe to assume she is being insulted. Otherwise, we wouldn’t spend so much time and money (and pain!) on hair removal. Does anyone really enjoy having their hair ripped out at the follicles? Maybe some do. But mostly, we do it because the male gaze demands it as some sort of feminine ideal.

      • claire says:

        It’s so dumb for her to raked over the coals. She doesn’t have to take it as a compliment or even care about this story. She didn’t asked to be dragged into the Kardashian circus.

      • A says:

        Exactly.
        It’s like people can’t see it from her point of view. Imagine if you were Jessica, how would you feel to hear something like that? Honestly.
        The whole world more or less tweeting that and then you’re put on the spot by some reporter. I can only speak for myself but I would be seriously hurt by that.
        As if women, particularly older women, don’t deal with enough sh-t as it is.
        And I am disappointed that women here on CB keep doing it, it’s so insensitive and I truly wonder how they would feel if they were in her position.
        I feel the same way everytime I read a comment about Jennnifer A being called “tootsie” and I’m not even a fan of hers, but you see how even women use those insults? Ugh.

      • Shannon1972 says:

        Jennifer Aniston is the perfect example of the double standard – “Maniston” and her “man hands” is the go-to insult (even here). Has everyone conveniently forgotten that in the midst of this hoopla?

        It pisses me off that Jenner got to be celebrated as the ideal man, and now he gets to be celebrated as an ideal woman, just because of who he is. I mean, if we (as a society) truly accept this, where was the celebration and support of Chaz Bono? It never happened, because he was a female who felt male, and that isn’t acceptable to men – and perhaps threatens their position as the dominant sex. But when a (dominant) male wants to become a (submissive) female, everyone is on board? Women will apparently accept everyone – yay, add another to our ranks. Especially an Olympic decathlon champion! We can use all the help we can get!

        The irony and hypocrisy is so blatant. Jenner wouldn’t be who he is, and have the platform and means to choose where to make his stand, if he hadn’t been born a genetic male. And Jessica Lange would never have been subjected to the same scrutiny, if the situation was reversed.

    • MarcelMarcel says:

      Caitlyn sn’t a man, she’s a woman. Your comment isn’t ‘unPC’, it’s transmisogynistic and transphobic.

      @Shannon1972 Trans women experience tragically high levels of violence and murder. So no, not everyone is on board.

  8. Amy says:

    I had a moment where I thought “Well that’s a bit much she hasn’t done anything yet.” but I stopped myself because transitioning on this level and having this much media focus is brave (don’t make a fool of me Bruce, let your reasons for doing this be pure).

    What is sad in general is how we don’t support the people who aren’t rich celebrities with great PR. Truth is if Bruce wasn’t attached to the Kardashians this whole change would have gotten Chaz Bono levels of attention with no one making any special effort to seem empathetic. This award feels like its a bow on a pile of baloney because I suspect outside of Caitlyn not enough is changing for other trans people. They’re getting murdered in the streets while she gets an award.

    Happy for Caitlyn but this award doesn’t feel real.

  9. lowercaselois says:

    What I am interested in what is the next step for Caitlyn. Jenner, after the fan fare all dies down. Will the Kardashians use this to make more money off of Caitlyn or will she use this platform for Transgender rights or will Caitlyn. quietly disappear.

  10. Ishkabibble says:

    Jenner is 65 years old and displays a come-hither pose while scantily dressed on the cover of major magazine. Can anyone remember the last time Vanity Fair pictured a 65 year old women as a sex object showing off ample flesh? Would Meryl Streep or Susan Sarandon get away with this, no matter how lovely they are? Or even Caitlyn’s doppelgänger – Jessica Lange? I think not, and all this celebration feels a bit hypocritical – and this award seems a bit premature. Let her settle into this new image for a while…eventually, if we are truly accepting her as a woman, she will be held to the same standards as the rest of us.

    Apparently Jenner gets the male privilege of being considered desirable at an older age that is not given to those genetically born a woman. People usually find women Jenner’s age showing some skin and looking flirty to be desperate, pathetic and unseemly. Madonna is ten years younger and for over a decade has gotten grief for not toning down the sexuality of her appearance as she’s gotten older. The same commenters who tore Madonna to shreds last month, on this very website, are now celebrating Caitlyn for doing the exact same thing.
    Either you accept this image/behavior for *all* women, or you don’t. Cherry picking what you will accept, based on the popular opinion of the day, is actually a gift-wrapped form of oppression.

    • Jen43 says:

      You speak the truth. I am giving Jenner a one time pass on this. She is trying to address everyone’s curiosity with this photo shoot. She is in an unenviable position of her own making. I think all the good will she is accumulating will dry up soon anyway. I hope for her sake she can quietly carve out a life for herself, but I doubt it.

    • Susan says:

      This, this, this….. A lovely woman in a nice dress or suit with “transgender rights” talking points would seem to me a strong message but what we have is the Kardashian style woman, complete with the alliterative name Caitlyn (with a C ya’ll, I am not part of THEM) in her sexy look, with come hither bedroom eyes showing off her breasts because what is a Kardashian woman without those? Where were the accolades for Chaz Bono, the covers, the awards? What about Kristen Beck? This is just a Kardashian level role out. How jealous Bruce must have been all those years. And now to top it off throwing viturperative shade at the Homegirl. I want Caitlyn to go the same place the rest of the family should go which is out of sight and away….

    • KellyBee says:

      What about Christie Brinkley who at sixty year old posed in a swimsuit on the cover of People Magazine she was praised and same with Jolia Louis -Dreyfus. Who posed nude for the first time at 53 on the cover of Rolling Stone.

      You think Caitlyn is getting universal praised? First I’m sure if Caitlyn was born a woman you wouldn’t be making this comment. Secondly go to other sites and you will see a big difference in comments and after awhile if she continues to be half dress then she will be called out on it.

      I do agree about the awarded thing I’m not sure why she getting it. Dose ESPN give this award to all sports fingers who come out? Or is Caitlyn a special case? Now in a couple years if she’s done great things for the transgender community then I don’t see problem with giving her this award, it just seems too soon right now.

    • blogdiz says:

      @Ishkabibble
      “Apparently Jenner gets the male privilege of being considered desirable at an older age that is not given to those genetically born a woman. ”

      You raised a very good point , I think that the transgender movement can still still reek of male privilege , In that people who transition from Male to female get much of the attention , and feel entitled to acceptance from the female community and the right to access female spaces i,e Lavern Cox Janet Mock etc

      On the other hand people who transition from female to male are often invisible , when known ridiculed i,e Chaz Bono and they cannot dictate that the Male community accepts them or gives them access to Male spaces(don’t think we will be seeing a transgender on the cover of GQ anytime soon )

      So Yes it seems that being genetically born a man versus a woman even here still has its advantages

      • Jessiebes says:

        Whilst I understand your argument. I wonder if it is not even more superficial than that – ie level of famousness.

        I feel there are other more well deserving transgenders like Chaz Bono, Andreja Pejic.

    • Green Eyes says:

      So agree 1000 times with Ishkabibble!

  11. Cali says:

    Wonder if it’s a little weird for Brody that his girlfriend is also Kaitlynn but spelled with the dreaded K.

  12. Cody says:

    I wonder if Moma Jenner is jealous of Caitlyn now, because Caitlyn made the cover of Vanity Fair and Kris did not.

  13. Sherry says:

    I thought I read she had the reassignment surgery after the VF interview? I can’t find the article I read yesterday, but it said Caitlyn waited until after the VF interview/shoot before undergoing the full reassignment surgery so it could be used as part of the docuseries on E! And here is an article from ibt with a clip from KUWTK where Bruce states a date has been set. http://www.ibtimes.com/bruce-jenner-sets-date-gender-reassignment-surgery-confirms-news-keeping-kardashians-1927861 So has she or hasn’t she? I guess only Caitlyn knows for sure.

  14. Madpoe says:

    at a quick glance – i do see a Jessica Lange’s doppelgänger

  15. Colette says:

    The guy who did the interview says she hasn’t had the genital surgery.He was on CBS morning show.The feminization surgery is part of the gender reassignment for some people.So is breast implants for some people.I personally know a trans woman who has lived as a woman for six years and has yet to have any surgery.She has breast as a result of the hormones she takes.20 percent of trans woman never have genital surgery.

  16. Nymeria says:

    Still a narcissist who abandoned his children. I have no respect for people who do that. Just my personal opinion.

  17. Jonathan says:

    Jenner gets to be an individual just like the rest of us. She can dress and present herself however she damn well wants. That’s supposed to be one of the tenets of feminism- women can dress how they want. If she wants to dress in hyper feminine clothing with her breasts popping out or ‘on display’ she’s allowed. Any of you thought she might be proud of her feminine body? It’s a good thing, you know, that a man wants to be a woman and is proud of looking like a woman- some biologically born women look that way. Jenner wants to look like them.

    It costs you nothing to just be happy for her and expend a little of your mental energy on reasons why this is a good thing rather than a bad thing.

    Give her and your own internal, harsh critic yelling from the sidelines like one of those angry old guys in the Muppets, a break.

  18. Backstage Bitchy says:

    I feel very sad that this is what people, and I think Caitlyn included, think it means to “be a woman”. I do not agree that this story as a whole is a huge step forward for gender relations. Has it brought an unparalleled level of recognition and even acceptance of transgender issues? Yes. But Bruce Jenner has no idea what it feels like to be a woman, he has never experienced the million little nuances of life as a woman, good or bad. It’s not about wearing dresses and nail polish and long hair. Being a woman involves a complicated set of experiences, emotions, expectations, etc, ie all the elements of being human. I hate that this story has basically boiled down the definition of “woman” to how a formerly male world class elite wealthy privileged male dresses and wears her hair…

    • ickythump says:

      Exactly @Backstage Bitchy – does she think this is the end now that she looks like a woman? (albeit a la Kardashian – glammed, tweaked and botoxed to the hilt posing in her underwear) this is NOT what its all about. If I were she I would be more concerned about becoming a better person/parent. And I am sure the transgender community have their own heroes.