'Trans people deserve something vital: they deserve your respect'- Caitlyn Jenner

Despite the protests and petitions not to give Caitlyn Jenner the ASHE award, she went ahead and received it. The 65-year-old got tearful toward the end of her acceptance speech as she thanked her family, including her mother, sister and 10 adult children in the audience. Caitlyn initially planned to appear on stage with all 10 of her children and stepchildren, including the Kardashian sisters, but they instead showed their support from the audience.

She got a standing ovation when she walked to receive her award.

"Wow, I have to talk after that? Thank you so much. It is so wonderful to be here tonight. The last few months have been a whirlwind of so many different experiences and emotions. But to tell you the truth, it seems like every time I turn around in life, I'm putting myself in these high-pressure situations—competing in the games, raising a family, but I've never felt more pressure than I have in my life than I have in the last couple of months. Picking out this outfit—OK girls, I get it," she said, which drew laughter from the crowd.

Caitlyn got tearful toward the end of her 25-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.'

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