LGBT

Peter Berg's in full damage control mode ... saying he has nothing but the "utmost respect for Caitlyn Jenner" ... after posting a meme about her earlier today that many people called "transphobic."

The "Ballers" producer/co-star just went to Instagram and wrote, "I have the utmost respect for Caitlyn Jenner and I am a strong supporter of equality and the rights of trans people everywhere."

It's a much different tone than the one he took earlier -- when he posted an Internet meme that ripped ESPN for giving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Jenner instead of a military vet.

The original meme Berg posted included a pic of both a double amputee military vet and Caitlyn Jenner and included the caption, "One man traded 2 legs for the freedom of the other to trade 2 balls for 2 boobs."

In his new Instagram post, Berg tries to clarify his stance -- saying, "I also believe that we don't give enough attention to our courageous returning war veterans, many of whom have sacrificed their bodies and mental health for our country and our principals- principals that include the freedom to live the life you want to live without persecution or abuse."

There was a Caitlyn Jenner blackout on ESPY day ... and the reason is all about hate.

We noticed late Wednesday morning if you hashtagged Caitlyn Jenner "most recent" would not come up. That means there was no way to see photos or texts using the hashtag.

The only photos you could see were from a few top posts ... all very nice and positive.

Here's what we found out. Instagram itself blocked its users ability to view "most recent" photos and texts, because there had been a flurry of really awful comments and uploads, including:

-- 'Until you grow a vagina and bleed, you will never be a woman'

-- 'F***ing Fa***t'

-- 'How is this THING rewarded anything'

There were so many negative comments and complaints about those comments, Instagram took swift action.

After Caitlyn took the stage, Instagram re-activated the hashtag and there was a flood of positive comments.

Nevertheless ... Caitlyn clearly has her work cut out for her.

Peter Berg ain't happy with all the praise being heaped on Caitlyn Jenner -- and is now mocking everyone from ESPN to President Obama for honoring her ... instead of military vets.

The "Friday Night Lights" director -- who also produces and co-stars in "Ballers" -- reposted a crass meme to Instagram following the ESPYs which compares a double amputee military vet to Caitlyn.

Berg co-signed on the meme with a simple comment -- "Yup."

Berg wasn't the only star to express outrage over Jenner getting the award -- Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry tweeted, "What exactly is 'COURAGE' these days?"

He was retweeted by NFL linebacker Sio Moore.

So, how is ESPN handling the criticism? Michelle Beadle summed it up this way:

"This rage over an arbitrary award is silly. Courage and bravery come in many forms and faces. I welcome progress for everyone. #BeYou."

Jazz Jennings, one of the transgender community’s youngest crusaders, is a massive Caitlyn Jenner fan and she's gunning to meet her idol tonight at the ESPYs.

Our photog caught up with the 14-year-old Tuesday in Bev Hills. She's in town promoting her new reality show “I Am Jazz,” but the highlight of the trip ... she scored a ticket to the show, where Caitlyn will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

Jennings was born a male but started her transition at age 3. Kid drops some serious knowledge on transgender equality.

With all the controversy over Caitlyn Jenner getting the Arthur Ashe award at the ESPYs ... she still has major support from one of the biggest athletes on the planet -- Kobe Bryant.

A Beverly Hills sushi restaurant turned into a catwalk this weekend -- when Kendall and Caitlyn Jenner rolled through for a quick lunch date.

The two met up at Sugarfish ... where Kendall and her friend Hailey Baldwin showed up in workout gear after a gym session.

But Caitlyn was WORKIN' IT -- showin' off the gams in a pencil skirt while the paparazzi snapped away.

Caitlyn Jenner went hand-to-hand in the 'hood during a Pride event -- handing out condoms to her fans.

It's pretty impressive ... in the middle of NYC's Pride weekend a couple of weeks ago -- when Caitlyn was the toast of the town -- she took a low-key trip to a shady part of Brooklyn to volunteer with the TransLatina Coalition.

As you might expect ... she was swarmed by fans wanting pics, but we're told she politely turned them down, and it was clear she wasn't there for publicity -- just to work for the community.

So, instead of selfies ... she handed out condoms and flyers for community events addressing the prevention of HIV.

Brody Jenner doesn’t think Caitlyn needs any help in the hook-up department, but he’s ready to help her find the right woman.

Caitlyn’s son hit up “Sway in the Morning” to promote his new reality series “Sex With Brody” and the topic quickly turned to sex and Caitlyn. Brody said, "Caitlyn likes women ... so it wouldn’t be too hard to go find a chick for Caitlyn."

It's interesting because Caitlyn hasn't ever discussed her sexual preference. Bruce told Diane Sawyer he hadn't thought about it at all ... because relationships were the last thing on his mind at that time.

We don't know if Brody's presuming, or if he's actually had the convo with Caitlyn.

Like we said ... interesting.

Tyga and his lawyers are gunning for the people they say released pics of his exposed penis -- and the wild part is ... there's a Caitlyn Jenner connection to this whole story.

Tyga's lawyer, Lee Hutton, tells TMZ he believes the rapper is the victim of a conspiracy designed to "maliciously shame" him. While the photos are authentic -- you can see some of his tattoos -- Tyga's lawyer believes the person he sent them to betrayed him ... and used them to manufacture a fake story.

The blog that posted the pics is claiming Tyga sent them to a transgender model.

Hutton thinks that's also offensive because ... "The allegations are false and socially irresponsible during a time when many Americans are celebrating equality."

It's a clear reference to Caitlyn and the Supreme Court decision, and Tyga and Hutton's point is -- don't use transgender issues as a punchline.

Michael Sam's Montreal Alouettes teammates are sick and tired of the drama surrounding the defensive end ... with one player telling TMZ Sports, "He's not my favorite teammate right now."

Caitlyn Jenner made a very sexy splash on Broadway Tuesday night ... and she's giving Kim a run for her money.

Caitlyn went with transgender actress Candis Cayne to the Broadway show, "An American in Paris."

It's the first time Caitlyn -- who is 65 -- has been out in public with full-on cleavage and lace. It's pretty apparent ... she's been taking Kim's advice on how to dress and especially how to look good in photographs.

When Caitlyn left the theater, a throng of fans were there to greet her.

One thing is clear ... Caitlyn ain't wearin' Bruce's baseball caps anymore.

Caitlyn Jenner stepped out with new best friend Diane Sawyer Monday night in NYC, and she has the paparazzi eating out of the palm of her hand.

It's pretty incredible ... the flurry of questions Bruce Jenner faced over the last few years are all gone ... and now it's all glam and respect as the paps fought to get an over-the-shoulder shot.

Caitlyn and Diane did not know each other before their interview, but we're told they hit it off and created a warm friendship.

Caitlyn Jenner let her hair down during NYC's Pride event Sunday at the Dream Hotel ... moments after the annual Gay Pride Parade wrapped.

Caitlyn arrived with a few friends and cameras in tow, apparently for her reality show, "I Am Cait."

She arrived in time for transgender actress Candis Cayne's performance.

They danced, and then Candis toasted Caitlyn ... telling the audience she was honored to know Caitlyn. She then dedicated the song, "Im Every Woman" -- to Cait, who cheered her on.

The Supreme Court made a gay poodle's day with its gay marriage decision.

'Honey Boo Boo' star Uncle Poodle tells us he and fiance Alan will be rushing to a Georgia courthouse as early as next week for their very own marriage license.

The two got engaged last September and he's ecstatic the way is finally paved for wedded bliss. As for a wedding ceremony, they've set their sites on a Georgia beach wedding.

And get this ... they're even open to sharing a wedding with Mama June if she goes through with that whole bisexual thing.

The Supreme Court's historic ruling on same-sex marriage means one thing -- gay wedding planners can finally cash in, and one of 'em has hauled in more than a quarter mil just today.

Robert E. Blackmon picked the perfect time to release his 2nd edition of “The Gay Groom’s Guide." It came out last month, and within a couple of hours of SCOTUS' announcement ... sales shot up by 500% … according to Blackmon's rep.

With more than 12,000 copies sold online just today, Blackmon's raked in -- cha-ching, cha-ching -- about $327,500 in revenue!!

Fun tips include how to break up family fights, selecting music for gay and straight guests (say yes to "YMCA"), and an engagement ring tip that, sorry ... totally disses Liberace.

The United States Supreme Court just ruled by the narrowest of margins that gays have a constitutional right to tie the knot.

It's a landmark ruling that has profound consequences. Fourteen states currently ban gay marriages, but as of today the ban is lifted and all states are now REQUIRED to issue marriage licenses, irrespective of sex.

For all you legal eagles, the decision was 5-4, and Justice Anthony Kennedy again proved he's the most powerful man on the Court, not only providing the swing vote but writing the majority opinion.

The court said the gay marriage ban served to "disrespect and subordinate them." The justices added the ban was a "grave and continuing harm."

President Barack Obama applauded the ruling, tweeting, "Today is a big step in our march toward equality. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to marry, just like anyone else #LoveWins."