Transgender people deserve your respect, says Caitlyn Jenner at ESPY Awards

At the ESPY Awards tonight, Caitlyn Jenner made a passionate appeal to the world on behalf of herself and other transgender people. In what has been termed her major first public appearance after revealing new status Jenner, an Olympic medalist-turned reality star called for an understanding on the plights of transgendered people. While making an address at the ESPY Awards night, Jenner said:

Now the last few months have been a whirlwind of so many different experiences and emotions, but to tell you the truth, it seems like every time I turn around in life, I'm putting myself in these high-pressure situations: competing in the games, raising a family but I've never felt more pressure than ever have felt in my life than over the last couple of months. Picking out this outfit, OK girls, I get it, you've got to get the shoes, the hair, the makeup. The whole process, it's exhausting  and next, the Fashion Police. Please be kind on me, I'm new at this.

All across this country right now, all across the world, at this very moment, there are young people coming to terms with being transgender. They're learning that they're different and they're trying to figure out how to handle that on top of every other problem that a teenager has. They're getting bullied. They've getting beaten up. They're getting murdered. And they're committing suicide.

There have been so many who have traveled this road before me, from Renee Richards, to Chaz Bono to Laverne Cox, and many others, Janet Mock, who's here tonight. Also I want to acknowledge all of the young trans-athletes who are out there, given the chances to play sports as who they really are. Trans people deserve something vital. They deserve your respect. And from that respect, comes a more compassionate community, a more empathetic society and a better world for all of us.

Here comes the tough part, I'd like to thank my family. The biggest fear I've had always in coming out is that I never wanted to hurt anyone else, most of all, my family and my kids. I always wanted my children to be so proud of their dad for what he was able to accomplish in his life.  You guys have given so much back to me. You've given me so much support. I'm so, so grateful to have you all in my life. Thank you.

My mom, who just a little over a week ago had to have surgery, I didn't think she was going to make it, but she is here with me tonight to share this night. Now, you know, I always thought that I got my courage and my determination from my dad but now I'm realizing now, Mom, I think I got all those qualities from you. Love you very much. I'm so glad you're here to share this with me.

You know it is an honor to have the word courage associated with my life, but on this night another word comes to mind, and that is fortunate. I owe a lot to sports. It showed me the world. It has given me an identity. If someone wanted to bully me, well, you know what? I was the MVP of the football team that just wasn't going to be a problem. And the same thing goes tonight.

Caitlyn and her mom Esther

If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead, because the reality is, I can take it. But the reality is, for thousands of kids out there coming to terms with being true to who they are, they shouldn't have to take it. So for the people out there wondering what this is all about, whether it's about courage or controversy or publicity, well, I'll tell you what it's about: It's about what happens from here. 

It's not just about one person. It's about thousands of people. It's not just about me. It's about all of us accepting one another. We're all different. That's not a bad thing. That's a good thing. And while it may not be easy to get past the things that you do not always understand, I want to prove that it is absolutely possible if we only do it together.

Bruce Jenner before transgender operation

Caitlyn Jenner, known before 2015 as Bruce Jenner is an American athlete best known for winning the men's decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics. She was awarded the prestigious Arthur Ashe Award at the ESPYs.