Beyoncé and Jay-z received the Vanguard Award, one of the main awards at the GLAAD Media Awards, an event that recognizes celebrities who engage in LGBTQI+ activism. Only half of the winners were revealed and the next awards ceremony will be on May 4th.
The two took the stage and thanked gay members of their families. Jay-Z spoke about his mother, Gloria Carter, who came out publicly on his most recent album. “I am privileged to be able to follow in her footsteps, to be able to spread her love and acceptance, and to be able to put her beautiful speech in my song. I thank her for letting me tell her story,” commented Jay-Z.
Beyoncé spoke of an uncle, Johnny, who for her was “the most fabulous gay man” she had ever met. She also said that her uncle fought AIDS during the last years of his life. “He lived his truth. He was brave and unapologetic for being who he was, at a time when this country wasn't so accepting of that. Witnessing her battle with HIV was one of the most painful moments of my life,” said Beyoncé.
“I hope his fight created a path through which other people can live more freely,” he continued. “LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. Choosing who you love is a human right. Choosing how you identify and see yourself is a human right.”
