Celebrities React to Caitlyn Jenner's Emotional ESPY Awards Speech

— -- Celebrities took to social media following Caitlyn Jenner’s emotional speech at Wednesday’s ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, with many offering their support despite the move garnering some criticism on Twitter.

Jenner –- a 1976 Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon -– accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award after revealing earlier this year that she is a woman, and using her platform to shed light on transgender issues. In Wednesday’s speech, Jenner said she struggled with her “situation” privately for decades, before deciding to come forward.

"This transition has been harder on me than anything I could imagine," she said, adding that "trans people ... deserve your respect."

Laverne Cox believes the speech marks a milestone for the transgender community.

Music figures such as Russell Simmons and Questlove lauded Jenner’s determination.

Joan Lunden and Ty Pennington expressed support.

Actress Rosie Perez and model Lily Aldridge were complimentary.

Former professional football player Wade Davis is motivated by Jenner’s message.

ANd Kylie Jenner – Jenner’s daughter and a star on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” – was proud of her father.