Caitlyn Jenner’s first public appearance since announcing herself to the world on the cover of Vanity Fair Monday might be sooner that we thought. She is expected to receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPN’s 2015 ESPYS. It will be the first ceremony to air on ABC, coincidentally.
ESPN announced the recipient of the 2015 Arthur Ashe Courage Award just moments after the Vanity Fair cover shoot by Annie Leibovitz was revealed. It was the first time Bruce Jenner revealed his new name and personae to the world.
Jenner is a former athlete who won a gold medal at the 1976 Olympics and became known to younger TV viewers through his appearances on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. After months of speculation, he finally told ABC News’ Diane Sawyer in April that he was transitioning to a woman.
“In the past few months, the overwhelming outpouring of support from all over the world for my journey has been incredible,” Jenner said in a statement to ESPN. “However, being honored with this award, which is named after one of my heroes, is truly special. For the first time this July, I will be able to stand as my true self in front of my peers.”
The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is named after the legendary tennis player, who died in 1993 and founded the Athur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS. ESPN has been giving the award since 1993 and the most recent recipients of the award are Pat Summitt, Robin Roberts and Michael Sam.
The ESPYS will air on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m., live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. Comedian Joel McHale is hosting.
Jenner's E! Network series about his transition premieres on July 26.
cover photo of Vanity Fair