Caitlyn Jenner brought the audience to tears when accepting the ESPN Arthur Ashe Award – and took the opportunity to talk about to importance of “accepting people for who they are”.
Former Olympic athlete, Caitlyn Jenner, accepted ESPN’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award at Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles last night, using the opportunity to preach acceptance for all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Jenner said she knows the “power of the spotlight” and knows that “with attention comes responsibility.
“It’s about all of us accepting one another,” she said.
Jenner spoke about the tranistion being harder than anything she has ever faced, and added that trans young people are particularly vulnerable.
“They’re getting beaten up, they’re getting murdered, they’re committing suicide,” said Jenner.
“If you want to call me names … go ahead, I can take it. But for the thousands of kids out there coming to terms with who they are, they shouldn’t have to take it.”
Every year, the award is reserved for athletes who have showed tremendous courage in the face of adversity. Former recipients of the award include out football player, Micheal Sam, and tennis legend Billie Jean King.
Jenner’s children and step-children were in attendance – including Brandon, Brody, Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Also step daughters Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian.
Watch the moving speech below:
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