Caitlyn Jenner’s tearful speech at the ESPY Awards Wednesday night drew strong praise on social media, with many celebrating her courage and message of acceptance.
Stars including Russell Simmons paid tribute to the transgender former Olympian as she accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Simmons tweeted, “Respect to Caitlyn Jenner. Beautiful, moving, inspiring speech tonight at the Espys. We are a better people because of your courage.”
Many others, like trans actress Laverne Cox and “The View” co-host Rosie Perez, also expressed pride and support for Jenner.
Read some of the best reactions below.
Just caught @Caitlyn_Jenner‘s speech at the #ESPYS. So deeply moved. I feel like an historic moment happened for my community tonight. Thanx
– Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) July 16, 2015
Wow! Congratulations @Caitlyn_Jenner. Your best victory yet. Beautifully done. #Courage #Acceptance #LoveWins #LGBT @ESPYS @ABCNetwork @espn
– Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) July 16, 2015
Reading about @Caitlyn_Jenner‘s speech from the #ESPYAwards. She’s a gift to the LGBTQ community! I want to meet her & give her a huge hug.
– Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) July 16, 2015
Respect to @Caitlyn_Jenner. Beautiful, moving, inspiring speech tonight at the #Espys. We are a better people because of your courage.
– IG: @UncleRUSH (@UncleRUSH) July 16, 2015
Really lovely speech by @Caitlyn_Jenner at the #ESPYS acknowledging trans WOC & those who do not have the means or support system she does.
– Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) July 16, 2015
#CaitlynJenner film, wow! Her speech: even better. Accept all for who they are #ESPYS
– Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 16, 2015
Thks @Caitlyn_Jenner 4 “inviting us in”. U didn’t come out. Our shero was always there. The world wasn’t safe. Ur helping change that #ESPYS
– Wade Davis II (@Wade_Davis28) July 16, 2015
Just blown away by @Caitlyn_Jenner and her powerful speech at the #ESPYS What a women, what a hero. #bethechange
– Ty Pennington (@typennington) July 16, 2015
#ESPYS I don’t care what you think of Caitlyn Jenner, you must admit she did a great job tonight on ESPYs.
– Joan Lunden (@JoanLunden) July 16, 2015
I you @Caitlyn_Jenner
– Lily Aldridge (@LilyAldridge) July 16, 2015