Looking effortlessly beautiful in a flowing white gown, Caitlyn kissed her mum Esther Jenner on the cheek before she made her way to the stage to accept the prestigious award while receiving a standing ovation.
“How do we start? We start with education. I was fortunate enough to meet Arthur Ashe a few times and I was fortunate enough to know how important education was to him,” the former Olympian told the star-studded room.
She continued: “But this transition has been harder on me than anything I could imagine. And that’s the case for so many others besides me.”
Caitlyn walks on stage to accept her award for courage.
The reality star’s appearance at the ESPYs has been met with some criticism and in effort to address the hurtful comments the 66-year-old bravely added: “For the people wondering what this is all about… I’ll tell you, it’s about what happens from here. It’s not just about one person. If you want to call me names, make jokes go ahead because the reality is, I can take it.”
The harrowing plight of transgender people was on Caitlyn’s mind as she continued with her heart-felt speech: “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.”
Before adding: “There have been so many that have travelled this road before me. I also want to acknowledge the young trans athletes who are out there, give them the chance to play sports as who they really are.”
It was the topic of family that finally brought a brave Caitlyn Jenner to tears.
Despite portraying a brave persona on stage, it was the topic of her family that brought the gold medallist to tears, “I’d like to thank my family… now the biggest fear of coming out was that I never wanted to hurt anyone else. Most of all, my family and my kids.”
Through the tears she revealed: “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. I am so, so grateful to have all of you in my life.”
Indeed, the touching admission from the sports star clearly moved her children and step-children, who were watching on in the crowd, to tears.
There’s no denying Caitlyn was the star of the show, but there was another woman whose acceptance and love garnered attention, her mother Esther.
Caitlyn with her beloved mum Esther, who proudly watched her daughter give an incredible speech.
“My mum, who just a little over a week ago had to have surgery and didn’t think she was going to make it. But she is here with me tonight to share this night. I always thought that I got my courage and my determination from my dad.
“But you know what I’m realising now mum, 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.”
Poignantly, Caitlyn ended her inspiring speech with a message about love and acceptance.
“For the 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 all 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.”
Thank you Caitlyn for sharing your important message, you blew us away.
The Kardashian and Jenner clan were out in full force to support Caitlyn
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