The 31st annual GLAAD Media Awards premiered Thursday night as a virtual live stream on Facebook and YouTube. The show was hosted by Fortune Feimster and Gina Yashere, two hilarious lesbian comedians, and featured performances by Chloe x Halle, Shea Diamond, and Ben Platt.
While GLAAD gives out over 30 awards each year, the event this year highlighted winners in seven categories, as well as three additional special award winners. A number of stars were present on the award show live stream as presenters or simply allies, including Dan Levy, Dolly Parton, Raquel Willis, Charli XCX, Dwyane Wade, Beanie Feldstein, Cara Delevingne, Rachel Maddow, Lil Nas X, and Demi Lovato.
“I specifically want to remind trans youth that you matter,” Lovato noted in her award presentation speech. “I know things are crazy hard right now, and you may not have your usual support system around you, but don’t let anyone, especially the Trump administration, fool you into thinking you are anything less than perfect and meant to be. Be proud of who you are, keep your voices loud and strong, and know that we’re out here fighting for you.”
Before the live stream, GLAAD announced the winners of all categories and tweeted out acceptance videos from the award recipients. While the award show already premiered virtually, it will also be presented via television on Monday at 8 p.m. on Logo.
“During this era of political and cultural division, LGBTQ images in media are crucial in accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ community and countering the dangerous rise in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric,” Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD, said in a statement. “This year’s award recipients, including Pose and Schitt’s Creek, continue to bring necessary mainstream visibility to diverse voices within the LGBTQ community, ultimately raising the bar for LGBTQ inclusion and representation in media.”
