Caitlyn Jenner got a standing ovation when he accepted his Arthur Ashe Courage Award during the ESPYs Wednesday night, and in his acceptance speech Jenner addressed the Pentagon’s move to allow transgender people to serve openly in the military.
“Trans pepole deserve something vital,” Jenner told the crowd of athletes and celebrities. “They deserve your respect.”
“Trans people will soon be serving in the military. That’s a great idea.”
(Photo: Getty Images)
“We have come a long way, but we have a lot to do.” (RELATED: Bruce Jenner: ‘I Am A Woman’)
American soccer star Abby Wambach presented Jenner the award. (Photo: Getty Images)
Jenner’s six children and Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian were all in the audience, and the former Olympic athlete got emotional as he began to thank his family.
“This is the tough part,” Jenner said. “I’d like to thank my family. The biggest fear in coming out is that I never wanted to hurt anyone else, but most of all my family and my kids.”
“You guys have given me so much support. I am so so grateful to have all of you in my life.” (PHOTOS: Caitlyn Jenner’s First Public Appearance Is NYC Pride Event)
(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Jenner ended his speech by saying how he “fortunate” he was to have played sports.
“I owe a lot to sports. It showed me the world and has given me identity.”