What a wonderful night celebrating LGBTQI representation
BY SIAN HOPKINS, IMAGE VIA INSTAGRAM
On Saturday (2 April), the GLAAD Media Awards held its 33rd annual awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The awards were first established in 1990 , to honour media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBTQI community and the issues that affect those who are queer. Amongst this year’s nominees were Disney’s Eternals, Netflix’s original film Tick, Tick… Boom! and HBO Max’s limited series, It’s A Sin.
Here is your round up of the winners and those in attendance of the LA 33rd annual GLAAD Awards.
GLAAD President, Sarah Kate Ellis’ speech
GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis was in attendance for the evening, where she delivered her powerful speech about how inclusion within Hollywood is of great importance.
She said, “GLAAD is calling on Hollywood to take meaningful action and will soon convene the biggest brands, agencies, studios, and streamers together with two goals: One, to commit to improving the quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ images — especially in kids and family programming; and two, to speak out against anti-LGBTQ legislation in favour of rights like the Equality Act.”
“So I have a message for the industry: don’t wait until you’re in the hot seat. There’s no more time to sit on the sidelines. We need Hollywood on the front lines, fighting for our rights and telling our stories.”
MJ Rodriguez winning the Stephen F. Kolzak Award
As the first trans woman to receive an Emmy nomination for her role as Blanca on popular TV series, Pose, MJ Rodriguez won GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award. On presenting her with the award, Andrew Garfield stated the honour he had in giving this award to MJ. He applauded her for “leading the charge to create and produce stories centred on LGBTQ lives and experiences,” especially trans women of colour. MJ’s main portion of thanks went towards her parents. “When you tell your queer child that you love them, they think, ‘I love me too.’ I thank all the parents in Texas, Florida, Idaho, Arizona, and around the world who are standing up to fear and ignorance, and grounding their LGBTQIA children in love and acceptance.”
DIVA publisher Linda Riley was in attendance
Our wonderful publisher Linda Riley was among those who attended the much anticipated awards ceremony. Arriving from the UK to offer her support for GLAAD’s work in changing the mainstream media and lobbying for more positive and accurate representation of the LGBTQI community. Linda was joined by the likes of Jake Graf, Denise Welch, Jacquie Lawrence, June Sarpong and Lincoln Townley.
Just some of the star studded line up in attendance
Kacey Musgraves
The Vanguard Award honoree, Kacey Musgraves looked stunning in a hot pink feathered, vintage Richilene gown. The Rainbow singer was awarded for her continuous allyship and support for the LGBTQI community, as her single is widely identified as being a queer anthem.
Jojo Siwa
Recent Dancing With the Stars contestant, Jojo Siwa, dazzled the red carpet with her black lace jumpsuit, layered over the top of a glittery rainbow bandeau. Jojo was also pictured with her dance partner, Jenna Johnson, at the event, after the two made tv history as the first same-sex partners to compete on Dancing With The Stars.
The L Word
The cast of the TV series nominee, The L Word: Generation Q, were also in attendance at the 33rd annual GLAAD Awards. The cast stunned fans and red carpet onlookers with their array of amazing award outfits. Jacqueline Toboni and Katherine Moennig looked amazing in their suit and blazer combinations, whilst Leisha Hailey and Rosanny Zayas wowed in a sparkling turquoise and yellow, satin gown.
You can find a full lister of the winners here.
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