Beyonce gives drag queen Shangela standing ovation for GLAAD awards performance
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Shangela earned a standing ovation from Beyonce herself after performing a raucous dance medley of the Lemonade star's greatest hits.
Appearing at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, where Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z were being honoured for their support of the LBGQ+ community, the drag queen pulled off an impressive routine to songs including "Single Ladies", "Run the World" and "Independent Women".
Clips from the show were shared by MTV host Raymond Braun, and included footage that showed Beyonce clearly enjoying the tribute along with everyone else.
Later on in the night, Beyonce and Jay-Z made an emotional acceptance speech for their GLAAD Media's Vanguard award after being dubbed "the most powerful black people in the country" by presenter Lena Waite.
A number of the couple's friends and associates also paid tribute, offering their thoughts on how both had contributed – individually and together – to support for the LGBTQ+ people and other minorities.
Trans writer and director Janet Mock spoke of the significance of her being cast in Jay-Z's music video for "Family Feud", in which Ava DuVernay depicted her as the architect of a new America, where a woman like her could hold a seat at the table of power.
"It was a vital intervention to a worldwide audience that LGBTQ+ people are worth being seen, heard and affirmed," Mock said.
Beyonce's former longtime stylist Ty Hunter recalled their meeting at the Galleria Mall in Houston in 1999, when Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles took him from a job in retail to join them on the Destiny's Child world tour.
Hunter said the couple were not in the room "for attention, they are here because they believe in acceptance". He thanked Beyonce for teaching him never to compare himself for anyone else, and also paid an emotional tribute to Jay-Z for being a straight man "comfortable in his damn skin", who accepted him and "lets other straight men know that this is the way to go".
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Jay-Z spoke about his mother Gloria, who was a GLAAD Award recipient in May last year. On his latest album, 4:44, Jay-Z detailed her lifelong struggle to conceal her sexuality from cultural and social prejudices at the time.
Jay-Z said he was "following in [Gloria's] footsteps of spreading love and acceptance" and thanked his mother for allowing him to tell her story.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments