Beyonce delivered a heartfelt speech honoring her late uncle Thursday when she and husband Jay-Z accepted the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation’s Vanguard Award.
The power couple received the award at the 30th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles. The Vanguard Award is presented to "media professionals who have made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance of LGBTQ people," according to the GLAAD website.
Beyonce and Jay-Z, both singers and performers, have been “longtime allies and supporters of the LGBTQ community,” GLAAD said in a statement. Beyonce has shown her support in many ways, the statement said, including speaking out against the controversial North Carolina “bathroom bill,” voicing support for gay marriage and featuring LGBT couples in her music videos.
Jay-Z has also included same-sex couples in his music videos and has supported gay marriage, GLAAD said.
The couple seemed moved to accept the honor Thursday evening. Jay-Z praised his mother, who recently came out as a lesbian, Deadline reported.
"We're here to promote love for every human being," Beyonce said. "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. Let's speak out and protect them. And parents, let's love our kids in their truest form."
Beyonce dedicated the award to her Uncle Johnny, "the most fabulous gay man I have ever known," she said.
"He lived his truth. He was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country wasn't as accepting. And witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I have ever lived," Beyonce said while beginning to tear up. "I'm hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other people to live more freely.”
The awards show wasn’t all tears. Earlier in the evening, drag performer Shangela lip-synced and danced a seven-minute-long tribute to Queen Bey.
"I'm overwhelmed. I've put a run in my stocking from Shangela," said Beyonce afterward, USA Today reported.
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