Beyonce Reveals She Lost Her Uncle To HIV In Emotional Speech At 2019 GLAAD Media Awards

The duo took to the Beverly Hilton stage and received the award from fellow icon, director Janet Mock.

Beyoncé said in her acceptance speech that watching her beloved ‘Uncle Johnny’ die from HIV, she knew she had a responsibility to love and care for the LGBTI community.

Earlier in the night, drag superstar Shangela performed a show-stopping medley of Beyoncé beats. ‘LGBTQI rights are human rights.’

Beyoncé then took the podium. Dedicating the award to her ‘Uncle Johnny, the most fabulous gay man I’ve ever known who helped raise me and my sister.’

‘Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived,’ she said, as Jay reached out to comfort her, ‘I’m hopeful that his struggles served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely.’

‘LGBTQI rights are human rights.’ ‘Love for every human being’

Furthermore, the Flawless singer spoke of her tried and trusted faith in the LGBTI community.

She added: ‘Whether it’s our fans or our family, the LGBTQI community has always supported us and lifted us up. And we thank you for that.

‘We are here to promote love for every human being, and change starts with supporting the people closest to you.

‘So let’s tell them they are loved, let’s remind them they are beautiful, and parents, let’s love our kids in their truest form.’ Closing the speech, she said: ‘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!’

The Run The World singer also thanked the plethora of presenters and performers, joking: ‘I put a run in my stocking from Shangela.’ What did Jay-Z say?

Jay-Z kicked-off his speech by thanking GLAAD for the honor, and to his mother, Gloria Carter.

Carter received an honorary award last year. Jay-Z referenced that her mother is a lesbian on his track, Smile.

The rapper, in a powder pink tux, credited his mother for teaching him about love and acceptance.

He said: ‘I’m following in her footsteps of spreading love and acceptance.’

Moreover, he thanked his mother for ‘her beautiful speech at the end of the song Smile, and for allowing me to tell her story.’ Celebrating LGBTI media.

GLAAD presents the Vanguard Award to allies who have made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people.

The organization celebrates those who support the LGBTI community in film, television and beyond.