Recently, Caitlyn Jenner was given an ESPY award for her recent statements and actions as a way for her to feel comfortable with herself. Those who do not agree with her decisions quickly criticized her moving speech. She is entitled to her opinion. Some are very distraught at the idea that she is considered a hero over our dedicated veterans.

While the work of our armed forces are imperative, courageous, and all the while important for our livelihood, to denounce Jenner’s bravery because she is not in the armed forces is contradictory to what a lot of those troops fight for: Freedom. However you take the term — freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of sex, freedom of reading or tv, whatever — we are allowed to do what our heart desires because, damn it, we live in the USA. Sure we have our own problems, but we can complain however we want and that’s the beauty — keeping our heads for our opinions. That right to opinion, however, shouldn’t mean dehumanizing someone because we don’t understand what they are going through.

Times are moving, and bigotry that leads to the hatred of a group of people — hatred that leads to suicides — is ignorance we have seen time and time again. How dumb do you think the protesters against black rights felt? How dumb do you think people against same-sex marriage are going to look in a few years?

Our armed forces never get enough credit as they deserve, but neither does Caitlyn. She gave hope to countless individuals who are struggling with their identity, surely stopping some from committing suicide because of the endless bullying they encounter.

Bullying from those who are so adamant to denounce Caitlyn and spit on anyone who may be lost in the world.

I have courage to stand up about how I feel, rather than simply observing.

I think Army Vet Joey Vincent can back me up as well.