On May 6, the GLAAD Media Awards returned to an in-person ceremony for the first time in two years. The event, hosted by Niecy Nash, honored different branches if media and personalities “for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.”
In April, the first half of the GLAAD Media Awards categories were honored Los Angeles. Last weekend’s ceremony honored the remaining 14 categories at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the esteemed awards show.
The night was full of memorable highlights. From Lil Nas X receiving “Outstanding Music Artist” for the second time in three years to an surprise proposal when Zeke Smith popped the question to Nico Santos on the GLAAD stage.
Newly selected press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre took to the stage to introduce GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis and received a standing ovation from the audience.
Jean-Pierre will be the replacing Jen Psaki on May 13 and will be the first Black and openly gay White House press secretary.
“Thank you, family. As a member of the LGBTQ community, family, I am excited to be here with all of you to show that visibility matters,” Jean-Pierre said onstage. “Representation matters for all marginalized communities at every intersection.”
Standing ovation for Karine Jean-Pierre at @glaad 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/jLe1Auacak
— Marti (@MartiGCummings) May 7, 2022
Viewers were also treated to a surprise lip sync from Drag Race legend Peppermint and Peloton’s Cody Rigsby, complete with a fabulous wardrobe and professional choreography. Rigsby dressed as Britney Spears to perform “Baby One More Time.” Meanwhile, Peppermint channeled her inner Janet Jackson with a exhilarating performance of Jackson’s “If.”
And who could forget Ariana DeBose and Peppermint’s stunning duet of “Somewhere” from West Side Story? The two took to the mic before DeBose presented Broadway star Judith Light an award for excellence.
“Sadly, today, we are living through another cycle of violence and sorrow particularly for marginalized communities,” Light said as she accepted her award.
“There are deeply destructive bills in Florida, Alabama and Texas. No one of any race, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability should have to face discrimination from their own government,” she said.
Be sure to check out the complete list of GLAAD Media Award winners.
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