Tonight at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California, Beyoncé and Jay Z received GLAAD's Media Vanguard Award for their outstanding LGBTQ+ advocacy!
"We're here to promote love for every human being," said Beyoncé. "We're here to promote love for every human being. And change begins with those 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."
Bey then dedicated her award to her beloved Uncle Johnny, "the most fabulous gay man I've ever met," who she witnessed firsthand his struggle with HIV.
Her full speech reads:
"Well, first of all I'm overwhelmed. Just super honored and overwhelmed. I already cried and put a run in my stocking. One of the most beautiful memories of my tour was looking out from the stage every night and seeing the hardest gangster tramping out right next to the most fabulous queen. Respecting and celebrating each other.
That's the beauty of a great partnership. Connecting people who at first glance, seem to be worlds apart. Whether it's our fans or our families, the LGBTQI community has always supported us and lifted us up. We thank you.
We're here to promote love for every human being. And change begins with those 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.
I'd like to request that we continue to shift the stigmas in this community, especially the stigmas in black families towards queer black and brown men. Lastly, I want to dedicate this award to my Uncle Johnny, the most fabulous gay man I've ever met, who helped raise me and my sister. He lived his truth, he was brave and unapologetic at a time when this country was not as accepting.
Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I've ever lived. I'm hopeful his struggles served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQI rights are human rights. 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."
Watch her and Jay Z's full acceptance speeches below:
