ABC/Image Group LA(LOS ANGELES) — Caitlyn Jenner accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at The 2015 ESPYs broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater on ABC Wednesday night, and she used the opportunity to urge understanding and compassion for the transgender community.
Jenner, who publicly came out as a trans woman in April, opened the speech by joking that “I never have felt more pressure than I ever have felt in my life than over the last couple of months picking out this outfit.” She then added, “Okay girls, I get it.”
The speech quickly turned serious, however, when Jenner noted the pressures trans teens face every day. “They’re getting bullied. They’re getting beaten up. They’re getting murdered. And they’re committing suicide,” she said.
“If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead, because the reality is, I can take it,” she declared. “But for the thousands of kids out there coming to terms with being true to who they are, they shouldn’t have to take it.”
Jenner acknowledged the support of people like her mother and ABC News’ Diane Sawyer in the speech, but got particularly emotional when she thanked her children.
The 65-year-old reality TV star choked back tears as she noted, “You guys have given so much back to me, you have given me so much support. I am so, so grateful to have all of you in my life.”
A video detailing Jenner’s early life and success as Olympian Bruce Jenner, and Jenner’s life-long gender dysphoria, was shown before the speech.
The award was presented by U.S. women’s soccer team star Abby Wambach.
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
