Beyoncé And JAY-Z To Be Honored At GLAAD Media Awards
In recognition as their work as LGBTQ allies, Beyoncé and JAY-Z will be honored jointly with the Vanguard Award at the 30th annual GLAAD Media Awards, scheduled for March 28 in Los Angeles.
The Vanguard Award is presented to allies who’ve promoted acceptance of LGBTQ people. Previous winners include Jennifer Lopez, Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson, Cher, Demi Lovato, Kerry Washington, and Britney Spears.
.@Beyonce and @S_C_ will receive the Vanguard Award at the #GLAADawards in Los Angeles on March 28th for their work promoting LGBTQ acceptance. pic.twitter.com/vvZ4Bsitub
— GLAAD (@glaad) March 11, 2019
As GLAAD notes, Beyoncé has spoken out against discriminatory laws, and celebrated the passage of marriage equality, saying, “Everyone has the right to love who they love.”
She’s also supported LGBTQ youth on her social media, and has featured LGBTQ couples and individuals in the videos for “Formation” and “All Night,” and dedicated a live performance of “Halo” to the survivors of the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting.
In addition, the promos for her Ivy Park athleisure clothing line featured transgender actress Laverne Cox.
As for JAY-Z, he received a GLAAD Special Recognition Award last year for his song and music video, “Smile,” which detailed his mother Gloria‘s coming out as a lesbian. In addition, he featured LGBTQ leader Janet Mock in his video for “Family Feud,” which opens with a quote from gay writer James Baldwin.
And, like Beyoncé, JAY-Z also supported the passage of marriage equality, noting it was “the right thing to do as a human being.”
“Beyoncé and JAY-Z are global icons and passionate defenders of human rights and acceptance for all people,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis in a statement.
“When Beyoncé and JAY-Z speak, the world becomes inspired and when it comes to LGBTQ people, their voices of acceptance have been heard loud and clear.”
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