GLAAD honored shows, movies, and stars in the media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives.
Here are a few moments that stuck with us that night:
+ Watch Young Filmmaker Shane Bitney Crone’s Acceptance Speech.
Shane lost his same-sex partner of six years, Tom Bridegroom, after a fall from a roof during a photo shoot. Because they weren’t legally recognized as partners, Shane was forbidden from seeing Tom at the hospital. Shane and director Linda Bloodworth-Thomason told Shane and Tom’s heartbreaking love story in the 2013 documentary, “Bridegroom.” Shane honored Tom while accepting Best Documentary at Saturday’s ceremony.
Shane also took time during the red carpet arrivals to give us this amazing video.
+ Watch Jennifer Lopez Honor Gay Aunt, and LGBT Fans.
“They loyal!” J.Lo said about her gay fans while accepting the 2014 Vanguard Award this weekend. The “I Luh Ya Papi” singer and “The Fosters” executive producer credited Rita Moreno, who presented her the award, with inspiring her to pursue her dreams in a field lacking Latina representation. Similarly, she drew from her lesbian aunt’s experience to inspire LGBT youth and families, and diversify their representation in the media.
+ Watch LGBT Power Women Ellen Page and Laverne Cox Represent!
Openly lesbian “Juno” actress Ellen Page presented openly transgender “Orange Is The New Black” actress Laverne Cox with the night’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award. Their presentation was full of reflection, pride, tears, and courtesy of Laverne, even a few laughs. “I’d like to think that after doing ["I Want to Work For Diddy"], Jennifer Lopez and I both have some memories with Diddy that we’d like to try and forget,” she said to laughter. Laverne had previously graced the GLAAD Awards stage as castmember in VH1′s “I Want to Work For Diddy.”
+ Lupita Nyong’o Stands in Solidarity, Flawlessly.
The “12 Years A Slave” star hit up the awards red carpet and presented the Best Documentary awards Saturday evening. An ally to the LGBT community, Lupita drew from previous civil rights struggles to explain her support. “I wanted to be here tonight to stand in solidarity with the LGBT community,” she proclaimed.
Celebrate the LGBT community in the media, and learn more about how you can support advocacy efforts by taking action below.
Photos: (MTV Act/Getty)