Beyoncé held back tears last night, as she paid tribute to her late uncle – who passed away from HIV.
The singer accepted the prestigious Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards in LA on Thursday night, alongside her husband Jay-Z.
Bey delivered an impassioned speech, before dedicating her award to her late uncle Johnny.
Fighting back tears, she said, “I want to dedicate this award to my Uncle Johnny, the most fabulous gay man that I have ever known… who helped raise me and my sister.”
“He lived his truth. He was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country wasn’t as accepting, and witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived.”
“I am hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQI rights are human rights. To choose who you love is your human right. How you identify and see yourself is your human right. Who you make love to and take that ass to Red Lobster is your human right.”
Beyoncé then turned to her husband and said, “I just want to say to you, Jay, that I am so proud of you for making incredible strides towards changing stigmas in the hip-hop community. It’s a privilege to watch you take those steps and to stand right next to you. I love you and we’re super grateful and honored.”
Jay also paid tribute to his own mother, Gloria Carter, who was honoured at last year’s GLAAD Awards.
He said, “Life, this journey, is filled with highs, lows, and a lot of learning. This is a momentous night. I also want to, because I didn’t get to do it last year, honor my mother, who received the award last year, and follow in her footsteps of spreading love and acceptance and her beautiful speech at the end of the song ‘Smile,’ for her allowing me to tell her story.”
“So, I want everyone to acknowledge that, and her strong message of love who you love and souls that connect.”
