The 35th GLAAD Media Awards unfolded with glamor and significance in Beverly Hills, California. Hosted by Wayne Brady, the ceremony celebrated media that champions LGBTQ+ representation. Renowned personalities like Niecy Nash-Betts, Oprah Winfrey, and actress Reneé Rapp were honored for their impactful contributions. Nash-Betts received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, while Winfrey was bestowed with the prestigious Vanguard Award. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Winfrey shared poignant memories of her late brother and his struggle with acceptance. Continuing her address, Winfrey expressed her vision for leveraging The Oprah Winfrey Show, spanning from 1986 to 2011, to empower individuals to embrace their true identities. Reflecting on a pivotal moment in Williamson, West Virginia, in 1987, she recounted convening a town council to address the closure of a pool after a gay man with HIV swam in it. Concluding her speech, Winfrey committed to the ongoing hiring of queer and trans filmmakers, advocating for authentic portrayals on screen, and reaffirmed her steadfast support for the LGBTQ+ community. Notable winners of the event also included “Fellow Travelers” for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, “Ted Lasso” for Outstanding Comedy, and “Yellowjackets” for Outstanding Drama.
