Every year, LGBTQ+ media advocacy organisation GLAAD recognises and honours inclusive media and people that represent LGBTQ+ people both fairly and accurately whether it be through TV, Film, Music, and public figures using their platforms to speak out for a more inclusive world.
This year, Beyoncé and Jay-Z were honoured for their work with promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance and was awarded the Vanguard Award, that celebrates allies who have done outstanding work for LGBTIQ+ equality. The pair join the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, Janet Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Britney Spears who have been awarded the Vanguard Award in the past.
While the singer has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, she has rarely discussed her uncle who helped raised both her and her sister and was diagnosed with HIV.
Using her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to her Uncle Johnny, "the most fabulous gay man" she has ever known.
“Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived." she emotionally said.
“I’m hoping that his struggles served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQI rights are human rights.”
“Whether it’s our fans or our family, the LGBTQI community has always supported us and lifted us up. And we thank you for that." Beyoncé continued.
“We are here to promote love for every human being and change starts with supporting the people closest to you. So, let’s tell them they are loved, let’s remind them they are beautiful, and parents, let’s love our kids in their truest form.”
Watch the acceptance speech below.
Here is a full list of honourees at this year's GLAAD Media Awards.
Vanguard Award: Beyoncé and JAY-Z
Stephen F. Kolzak Award: Sean Hayes
Outstanding Film - Wide Release: Love, Simon
Outstanding Comedy Series: Vida
Outstanding Reality Program: Queer Eye
Outstanding Documentary: Believer
Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series w/o a regular LGBTQ character): "Someplace Other Than Here," The Guest Book
Outstanding Kids & Family Programming: Steven Universe
Outstanding Video Game: The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset
Outstanding Comic Book: Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles
Outstanding Magazine Article: "Can a Transgender Woman Get Justice in Texas?" by Nate Blakeslee (Texas Monthly)
Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage: Variety
Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine (Spanish-Language): "Entrevista con Luis Sandoval para National Coming Out Day" Despierta América (Univision)
Outstanding Digital Journalism (Spanish-Language): "Así pinta la televisión hispana a los personajes LGBTQ, una representación preocupante" por Daniel Shoer Roth (ElNuevoHerald.com)
Special Recognition: Nanette
Special Recognition: TransMilitary
Special Recognition (Spanish-Language): House of Mamis
