Christina Aguilera, Jeremy Pope, and Bad Bunny will all be recognized at this year’s GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on March 30.
Aguilera will be presented with GLAAD’s Advocate for Change Award during this year’s ceremony. Previous winners of this award include President Bill Clinton. Aguilera has been praised as an activist in the LGBTQ+ community and her voice has defined a generation far beyond the GLAAD Awards. In 2004, along MAC Cosmetics, Aguilera raised $500 million for HIV research and has spoken out about legislation harming the queer community, like Proposition 8 and Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.
“Christina Aguilera is a beloved icon who has inspired and shared messages of love for the LGBTQ community since the start of her music career. From using her voice to speak out against anti-LGBTQ legislation to creating songs and music videos that showcase LGBTQ love, Christina loudly and proudly raises the bar for what it means to be an LGBTQ ally today,” says GLAAD President & CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis.
Latin pop singer Ban Bunny will be receiving the Vanguard Award during the GLAAD Media Awards. The Vanguard Award is presented to allies who have made a significant difference in promoting LGBTQ individuals and issues. Bad Bunny has been vocal in his support for the queer community, and in speaking out against issues including violence against transgender women of color. Previous recipients of this award include Beyonce, Kacey Musgraves, and Cher.
“Bad Bunny uses his role as one of the world’s most popular music artists to boldly shine a light on LGBTQ people and issues, including transgender equality and ending violence against trans women of color,” says Ellis. “By consistently advocating for our community, elevating our stories, and demanding action from anti-LGBTQ leaders, Bad Bunny redefines the positive influence Latin music artists can have within the LGBTQ community and has set an example for all artists.”
Former GLAAD Media award recipient Ricky Martin also praised Bad Bunny for his allyship, calling him “an icon for the queer Latinx community” in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Actor Jeremy Pope will be presented with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is presented to media professionals who have used their work to alleviate stigma and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. In his most recent performance, Pope starred as a closeted gay Black man going through Marine Corps training during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era in the movie, The Inspection.
Click here for tickets to the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on March 30.
