The GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards took place on Saturday, and every A-lister from Viola Davis to Channing Tatum was in attendance. The special ceremony recognizes and honors media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.
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Actress Kerry Washington was among the celebrated, taking home the prized Vanguard Award. Each year the Vanguard goes to an entertainer who advocates on behalf of LGBT persons. More showstopping than her floor length Hellesy number, was her beautiful and heart-provoking acceptance speech.
Washington used her time wisely, fully aware that “On Monday morning, people are going to click a link to hear what that woman from Scandal said.” Here are some of the key takeaways from her speech:
1. “Women, poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans people, intersex people – we have been pitted against each other and made to feel like there are limited seats at the table for those of us who fall into the category of ‘other.'”
2. “We must be allies, and we must be allied in this business because to be represented is to be humanized. And as long as anyone anywhere is being made to feel less human, our very definition of humanity is at stake, and we are all vulnerable.”
3. “We must continue to break new ground until that is just how it is. Until we are no longer firsts and exceptions and rare and unique.”
4. “In the real world, being an ‘other’ is the norm. In the real world, the only norm is uniqueness, and our media must reflect that.”
The cry to join together in all of our differences was received by a resounding applause.
You can catch the entire speech below.