Beyoncé won four Grammys on Sunday night, making her the most awarded Grammy recipient ever. When she accepted the Grammy for best dance/ electronic album, she gave a speech acknowledging the queer community, especially her gay Uncle Johnny.
Through tears, Beyoncé thanked her “Uncle Johnny, who’s not here. But he’s here in spirit.” She shouted out the LGBTQ+ community, saying “I’d like to thank the queer community for your love and for inventing the genre.”
Beyoncé gets emotional during acceptance speech & thanks her late Uncle Johnny, Jay Z, parents & kids. Queen Bey has now won more #Grammys than any other artist. @Beyonce pic.twitter.com/JhI0wvJuUT
— Lynnette KhalfaniCox (@themoneycoach) February 6, 2023
Uncle Johnny, though not biologically related to Beyoncé, was a huge influence of her life. He instilled in her a love of music and fashion (he even made her prom dress!). He passed away after struggling with HIV. Beyoncé said that his passing was “one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived.”
The album dedication on Renaissance emphasizes Beyoncé’s thankfulness to the queer community.
It reads, “Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognised for far too long.”
