Why Caitlyn Jenner's inspirational acceptance speech should be watched by everyone

The Saturday Read
Three Thinking - Edition 012 - Saturday 18 July 2015

Inspirational Caitlyn accepted her award on Wednesday
evening. Image via Google Images. 

The definition of the word unique, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is 'Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else'. Whilst there are many similarities between humans - the fact that we all rely on oxygen in order to survive, for example - I think it is fair to say that we are all pretty unique and 'unlike anything else'! We can accept that we are not all direct clones who like, say and do the same things...we all agree that we are all unique. So why, all too often, do people fail to accept others for being unique? 

It was when receiving the ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award on Wednesday that Caitlyn Jenner spoke out about the persecution and discrimination trans-gender people face, simply for expressing themselves. Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, spoke of the thousands of young trans people who are being 'bullied, beaten up, murdered and committing suicide' - just because of who they are. Can you imagine being persecuted or even killed, simply because of who you are? 

I don't think we'll ever be able to understand what would motivate someone to attack, persecute or bully another human being simply because of the way they express themselves. Every human wants to be accepted and to be given respect for who they are, so why do some individuals feel they don't have to accept and respect others? Enough is enough, and Caitlyn's message couldn't have been more powerful.

Here is a very simple principle that will have an enormous affect on the happiness and wellbeing on the life of each and every one of us;

"I want to promote a very simple idea: accepting people for who they are...Accepting people's differences"

 Once we accept we all have our differences and then put this into practice by accepting people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or other 'difference', we can start to create a society that supports each and every individual and indeed celebrates the fact we are all unique. In the words of Ms Jenner,

"Trans people deserve something vital. 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".

So let's all follow Caitlyn's example and respect, embrace and celebrate each person for who they are. Be who you truly are, not who you think others wants you to be.

THINK & REFLECT - I'll leave you with one more quote from Caitlyn Jenner's inspirational speech, and I hope this will provide you with food-for-thought for the day ahead;

"Learn as much about another person to understand them better"

...don't just judge someone, work to understand them and realise that they, too, are human.