'Trans people deserve something vital:Emotional Caitlyn Jenner delivers moving 10-minute speech after winning Courage award in front of nine of her children at the ESPYs

Caitlyn Jenner tearfully thanked her family while accepting the Arthur Ashe Courage Award on Wednesday at the ESPYs in Los Angeles.

The 65-year-old honoree made her first major public appearance at the awards show since announcing her transitioning to a woman during an April tell-all interview with Diane Sawyer.

Caitlyn got tearful toward the end of her 10-minute acceptance speech in which she gave a heartfelt appeal on behalf of trans youth.

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

Her speech was preceded by a 15-minute video detailing her journey and featuring interviews with her mother Esther and model daughter Kendall that was narrated by Mad Men star Jon Hamm. 

Courage award: Caitlyn Jenner accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award on Wednesday at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles 

Jenner's children and stepchildren were present to see her accept the award

After being presented the award by soccer player Abby Wambach, Jenner gave a heartfelt speech about the plight of transgender youth, tearing up towards the end

She was presented with the honour by Abby Wambach, who is also an Olympic gold medalist, and was part of the US women's soccer team that won the World Cup earlier this month. 

Caitlyn, 65, initially planned to appear on stage with all of her 10 children and stepchildren, including the Kardashian sisters, but they instead showed their support from the audience.

However, it did not take long for cynical tweets to appear questioning why she had been chosen for the award above other potential honorees.

Caitlyn Jenner's emotional ESPYs speech as she thanks family

It was a proud moment for the extended family