Pose star Jeremy Pope received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at this year’s GLAAD Media Awards. The award, presented by Gabrielle Union, celebrated Pope for his work toward eliminating homophobia.

During his acceptance speech, Pope addressed the relationship between him and influential Black men in his life. 

He then acknowledged his special guest that night ⁠— his father. 

He detailed the bond between him and the former pastor turned professional bodybuilder that has allowed him to be who he is.

After thanking Union for her dedication to being “10 toes down” for the LBGTQ+ community, Pope continued with his personal thank you’s.

“I wanted to take this moment to thank all of the Black men who have been influential in my life,” he said. “Who didn’t allow hypermasculinity or these ideas of who we’re supposed to be for each other get in the way of loving and supporting me fully.”

The 30-year-old actor highlighted one of his “heroes” — his dad, Ty Pope.

“One of my heroes is here tonight. My dad,” Pope said. Ty stood as his son acknowledged him, and guests began clapping to celebrate the supportive father.

“My dad Ty Pope is here tonight,” he continued. “He is a professional bodybuilder. And a pastor when I was growing up. And didn’t disown me when I told him I wanted to be a Destiny’s Child.”

“I’m so grateful for our relationship and your dedication to being the best father you could be.”

The proud father looked on misty-eyed as his son thanked him for his support.

Pope continued his speech by stating it takes unconditional love to “continue to build and fight in community that we know we are targeted.”

Fans loved the public admiration Pope and his father had for each other.

Twitter account @Beyzhive shared the emotional moment, and followers were all in their feelings about it.

Gabrielle Union,GLAAD Media AwardsJeremy PopeLBGTQ+