During her acceptance speech at the ESPY on Wednesday night, Caitlyn Jenner became emotional as she pleaded the public to accept people for who they are.

Receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, Jenner came to the event wearing a white long-sleeve gown. During her speech, the former Olympian and Kardashian patriarch recognised her mother, her children, and ABC's Diane Sawyer, to whom she first revealed her transition in an exclusive interview.

ABC News said Jenner tagged the last few months in her life as a "whirlwind" and that her transition, which she kept private, was hard to deal with.

"That turned this journey into an already incredible education. This transition has been harder on me than anything I could imagine," she said.

A similar NBC News report added that Jenner also challenged the public to accept transgender people.

"Trans people deserve something vital. They deserve your respect," she said.

The former Olympian, Bruce Jenner, explained that how the society deals with transgender issues has a lot of meaning to those who are still struggling to be accepted.

"If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead, because the reality is, I can take it. 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 stressed in her speech.

She even made an example slain trans teenager Mercedes Williamson in Alabama and Sam Taub, who killed himself in Michigan, according to NBC News.

"They're getting bullied. They're getting beaten up. They're getting murdered. And they're committing suicide," she said.

Time reportedd that Jenner had greatly considered about coming out to Sawyer.

"I've been thinking about this day forever. And what I should do with my life, how do I tell my story, how I tell people what I've been through. And that day is today. I need the tissues. It's gonna be kinda tough, but today is the day. Be honest with myself," Jenner said as quoted by Time.

Addressing her children who were all in attendance, Jenner said she wanted them to be proud of her and what she has accomplished in life.

"You guys have given so much back to me, you've given me so much support," she said. "I am so, so grateful to have all of you in my life," she said.

Present during the awards night were Kendall, Kylie, and Brody. Her other children Burt Jenner, Cassandra Marino, and Brandon Jenner were also in attendance, as were step-daughters Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian.

Her documentary titled "I am Cait" will be shown on E! Network on July 26, and is expected to reveal more details of her transition.