The Carters got personal when they accepted the Vanguard Award from GLAAD.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z stood side-by-side on Thursday to accept the honor from the LGBTQ advocacy organization, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The couple honored the people in their lives who inspire their allyship.
Hova mentioned his mother, Gloria Carter, who made an uplifting speech about inclusive love at the end of his song “Smile.” Gloria won the award in 2018 while her son received a Special Recognition award for the track, according to Entertainment Weekly.
“Life is full of highs, lows, and a lot of learning,” Jay-Z said. “This is a momentous night and I also want, because I didn’t do it last year, to honor my mother who received the award last year. I’m following in her footsteps of spreading love and acceptance.”
Beyoncé admitted she was “overwhelmed” and “put a run in [her] stocking” from watching RuPaul’s Drag Race star Shangela perform a medley of her songs.
The “End of Time” singer preached a message of acceptance and camaraderie between people from different walks of life.
“I would say that one of the most beautiful memories of my tour was looking out from the stage every night and seeing the hardest gangster trapping out right next to the most fabulous queen — full out — respecting and celebrating each other,” she said.
“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 family, the LGBTQIA community has always supported us and lifted us up and we thank you guys,” Yoncé added.
The speech took an emotional turn when Beyoncé paid tribute to her late uncle.
“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,” she said, choking back tears.
“He was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country wasn’t as accepting," she added. "Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived. I’m hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely.”
The singer evoked her song “Formation” in her conclusion.
“LGBTQIA rights are human rights. To choose who you love is your human right,” Beyoncé declared. “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.”
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