"Please be kind on me, I'm new at this," said Jenner following a 14-minute long presentation on Jenner's life and career leading up to her gender transformation.
Jenner took the time to speak about the dangers transgender persons face in society, citing the high suicide rate and several recent murders of transgender women in the U.S.
"Trans people deserve something vital," said Jenner. "They deserve your respect."
Amidst tears, Jenner thanked her family for their support, saying she hopes she can make her children proud. Much of Jenner's family was in attendance of the ESPYs, including all of her children.
All black errythang. #espys pic.twitter.com/rF6cmQwX7H
— Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) July 16, 2015
The award was presented to Jenner by two-time Olympic gold medalist and former 2012 FIFA World Player of the Year Abby Wambach, who recently helped the U.S. win the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, Canada.
Wambach and her wife, Sarah Huffman, shared a kiss after the Women's Team's victory against Japan was sealed, a moment that went viral across social media.
The award handoff between the two famed gold medalists, according to an ESPN spokesperson "is significant for the LGBT movement."
"Trans people deserve something vital -- they deserve your respect." - @Caitlyn_Jenner #ESPYS pic.twitter.com/ffjnLjfVeY
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 16, 2015
Honestly, Caitlyn is an inspiration to so many and that's something you can't deny. #ESPYS
— tania (@shotsforzarry) July 16, 2015
I have to say @CaytIynJener looks stunning! #ESPYS
— Chris Domenech (@cldr10) July 16, 2015
"Learn as much as you can about another person to understand them better." #ESPYS #CaitlynJenner
— Anne Ditmore, JD, MS (@AnneDitmore) July 16, 2015
Caitlyn Jenner is so beautiful! Thank you @Caitlyn_Jenner for being a wonderful and inspirational hero to everybody Trans or not. #ESPYS
— ☁Sarita Retiz☁ (@SaritaRetiz) July 16, 2015
.@Caitlyn_Jenner's #ESPYS speech was A LOT more brave & courageous than the losers who spew their hate behind a computer screen/cell phones.
— Shemroy Parkinson (@Iam_Shem) July 16, 2015
#CaitlynJenner is amazing! You go girl! #ESPY #ESPYS @Caitlyn_Jenner #TransIsBeautiful Thank you for being a wonderful role model!
— Heather Porath (@primesgirl784) July 16, 2015
"Bruce has received many accolades over the years for being one of the greatest Olympians of our time, but The ESPYS are honored to celebrate Bruce becoming Caitlyn," ESPYs executive producer Maura Mandt said in a press release when it was announced Jenner would receive the Arthur Ashe award. "She has shown the courage to embrace a truth that had been hidden for years, and to embark on a journey that may not only give comfort to those facing similar circumstances, but can also help to educate people on the challenges that the transgender community faces."
PHOTOS: Jenner's changing appearance through the years
