GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organisation, announced today that pop icon Britney Spears is to be honoured at the 29th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.
Spears is set to receive GLAAD’s Vanguard Award, which is presented to media professionals who have made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance of LGBTQ people.
Previous winners include Jennifer Lopez, Cher, Elizabeth Taylor, Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson, Demi Lovato, Eric McCormack and Josh Hutcherson.
President and CEO of GLAAD, Sarah Kate Ellis, today said in a statement:
“An irrefutable icon, Britney Spears has entertained the world while also embodying the spirit of GLAAD’s Vanguard Award by speaking out on significant issues that face her fans – from the Dream Act to anti-transgender bills in Texas.”
“She is a force in the music world who has used her global platform to share messages of love and acceptance, something that the world needs today more than ever.”
Throughout her 20 year music career, Britney Spears has often been vocal in her support of the LGBTQ Community, using her status as one of the worlds biggest pop stars to shine a light on some of the social injustices LGBTQ people face.
A long time supporter of GLAAD’s Spirit Day (Spears has continuously stood up for LGBTQ youth by speaking out against bullying) in 2015 she released a Spirit Day video and promoted participation in the anti-bullying campaign by organising a meet-and-greet for LGBTQ fans, washing her stage at Planet Hollywood purple, and providing anti-bullying materials to concertgoers.
In 2016, Britney featured on the charity single ‘Hands’, a track written with GLAAD and released via Interscope Records, to remember the 49 lives taken in the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting.
The song which featured 20 artists including Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Selena Gomez, RuPaul, Troy Sivan, MNEK, Mary J. Blige, Adam Lambert and Meghan Trainor, benefited Equality Florida, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD.
‘Hands’ – A Song for Orlando
In 2017, the ‘Work Bitch’ singer spoke out against two anti-LGBTQ bills, which targeted transgender youth in Texas and also participated in Billboard’s viral ‘Love Letters to the LGBTQ Community’ project, writing an open letter to the community thanking them for their unwavering support.
This is my letter of love to all my LGBTQ fans. Continuously throughout my career, you’ve always been so vocal about what a positive impact I’ve had on you — that I’ve instilled joy, hope and love in you at times when there was none. That my music is an inspiration. That my story gives you hope.
But I have a secret to share with you. You see, it’s actually you that lifts me up. The unwavering loyalty. the lack of judgment. The unapologetic truth. Acceptance! Your stories are what inspire me, bring me joy and make me and my sons strive to be better people.
I love you.
Britney
Most recently, Britney sparked global attention when she wore a t-shirt stating ‘We Are All Dreamers’ and called on Congress to pass the Dream Act via Instagram.
Britney Spears ‘Till The World Ends’
Britney Spears will receive the Vanguard Award at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at Beverly Hilton on Thursday, April 12th.
Let us know your thoughts on Britney’s contributions to the LGBTQ Community over on Twitter @CelebMix.