Beyoncé and Jay-Z stood out among other celebrities at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Thursday night as they received the prestigious Vanguard Award.
During their acceptance speech at the star-studded bash, Beyoncé became emotional as she dedicated the honor to her uncle, Johnny,
“he lived his truth and he was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country wasn’t as accepting.
“Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived,” she said.
“I’m hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely.”
The GLAAD Vanguard Award “is presented to celebs and notables who have made a big difference in promoting equality and acceptance of LGBTQ people.” Past recipients include Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Cher and Whoopi Goldberg.
Beyoncé said LGBTQ rights are human rights, sneaking in a lyric from her song “Formation”.
“To choose who you love is your human right. How you identify and see yourself is your human right. Who you make love to and take that ass to Red Lobster is your human right,” she said as the crowd erupted in applause.
A tribute performance before Beyoncé’s speech got a standing ovation. “Rupaul’s Drag Race” star Shangela lip synced to a Beyoncé medley, prompting Queen Bey herself to stand in astonishment.
“I already cried, I put a run in my stocking from Shangela,” Beyoncé joked when she got up on stage to accept the award.
Jay-Z who had opened up about his mother’s struggle to come out as a lesbian, due to society’s pressures, said his mom, Gloria Carter, first came out to him while he was working on his album 4:44, which was released last year. Jay-Z then wrote the song “Smile” about his mom’s coming out journey.
During the acceptance speech, Jay-Z, said his mother was honored at the GLAAD awards last year.
“I get to follow in her footsteps of spreading love and acceptance in her beautiful speech at the end of the song ‘Smile,'” he said.
