The 30th GLAAD Media Awards are almost upon us. At this annual event, awards season takes a break from looking at critical acclaim and instead celebrates media that represents queer people in “fair, accurate, and inclusive” ways.
You have more reason than ever to watch this year, because the advocacy organization will be honoring the power couple of all power couples: Beyoncé and Jay-Z. GLAAD announced on Monday that the couple will receive the organizations Vanguard Award for their role as allies to the LGBTQ community.
The Vanguard Award is awarded to artists who have made an effort to promote LGBTQ acceptance. Past winners of the Vanguard Awards include Jennifer Lopez, Kerry Washington, Cher, Janet Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Antonio Banderas, Demi Lovato, Whoopi Goldberg, Eric McCormack, and Britney Spears.
“Beyoncé and JAY-Z are global icons and passionate defenders of human rights and acceptance for all people,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis in a statement. “When Beyoncé and JAY-Z speak, the world becomes inspired and when it comes to LGBTQ people, their voices of acceptance have been heard loud and clear. We could not be prouder to stand with them to send a message of love during the biggest LGBTQ event in the world and to honor their work to bend the arc of justice forward for LGBTQ people, people of color, and marginalized communities everywhere.”
In addition to Beyoncé and JAY-Z, GLAAD says the awards show will worth watching, as it will feature appearances by the cast of “Queer Eye,” Allison Janey, Nico Santos, Jameela Jamil, Shangela, and Dan Reynolds. This year’s nominees include “Pose,” “Love Simon,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Will & Grace,” “The Favourite,” ” Schitt’s Creek,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Nanette,” Janelle Monáe, Hayley Kiyoko, Troye Sivan, “American Idol,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “She-Ra,” “Law & Order: SVU,” Don Lemon, Stephen Colbert, Samantha Bee, Univision, MSNBC, Ebony, GQ, CNN, and The New York Times.
The awards will take place over two ceremonies, one held in Los Angeles on March 28, and one in New York City on May 4.
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