Jennifer Hudson was honored at the GLAAD Ally Awards on May 11 for her fair and unbiased media representation of the LGBTQ community in media. The actress-singer had awarded Patti LaBelle 17 years ago in the same category. Hudson was among the other celebrities, including Tyra Banks, Julianne Moore, and Marren Morris, who too were honored with the title on the ceremony night.
The Dreamgirls actress gave a heartfelt speech for the audience and her loved ones, calling each one beautiful in their own way.
Jennifer Hudson’s acceptance speech
Hudson walked up on the stage to accept the honor, shared praiseworthy words for the audience, and thanked them for welcoming her into the community. The singer said, “You guys make me feel safe, loved my whole life. Welcome. And so, therefore, it is my mission to do the same. It’s about using your voice.” She further added, “I remember actually presenting Ms. Patti LaBelle with this very same award; I think it was 17 years ago.”
Jennifer also mentioned the late Ms. Aretha Franklin as her inspiration, saying that “they’ve always been advocates for telling me to use your voice. But that goes beyond a song.”
Alaya – Floral Motif Ruffle Dress – White
Alanna – Floral Motif Dress – White
Alice – Floral Printed Maxi Dress – Pink
Alexia – Short Ruffle Sleeve Dress – Coral
Aurelia – Patch Work Shirt – Multicolor
Ambrosia – Short Ruffle Sleeve Dress – Jade
Ava – Printed Mini Dress – Mauve…
Ava – Printed Mini Dress – Blue
Alice – Floral Printed Maxi Dress – Blue
Aurelia – Patch Work Pant – Multicolor
Aurora – Floral Printed Maxi Dress – White
Ava – Printed Midi Dress – Blue
In her speech, the actress claimed, “And I want to say that to all of us in this room. Continue to use your voice. And it is nothing like seeing others being blessed from your blessings. And that is what The Jennifer Hudson Show represents, is bringing everyone together. I want everyone to feel like they matter. Have a safe place. Feel celebrated. Whatever you are going through, if you want to be celebrated, just know you can always, I got you back. Jennifer Hudson is going to cheer you up. Okay?”
The Jennifer Hudson Show was also nominated for the GLAAD Awards
Apart from the actress, her talk show, The Hudson Show, was also nominated at the ceremony and won the GLAAD Media Outstanding Variety or Talk Show episode. The episode that was honored at the event had an HIV activist’s appearance who worked tirelessly for black queer people. He was presented with a check for $10,000 by the Gilead Compass organization.
It was a star-studded GLAAD event in New York that saw Jennifer Lawrence, Ross Matthews, and Vita Russo in attendance. The ceremony was hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Drew Barrymore Show’s producer, Matthews.
