Beyoncé opens up about her uncle’s ‘battle with HIV’ in moving acceptance speech
The iconic singer picked up the Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards on March 28
By Steve Brown
Beyoncé opens up about her uncle’s ‘battle with HIV’ as she accepts her GLAAD Media Award.
The singer was awarded the Vanguard Award with her husband Jay-Z and while taking to the stage on March 28, Beyoncé dedicated the award to her Uncle Johnny, ‘the most fabulous gay man’ she has ever known.
Although the ‘Halo’ singer has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, she rarely discusses her uncle who helped raise her and her sister and was diagnosed with HIV.
During her acceptance speech, she emotionally said: “Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived.
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“I’m hopefully that his struggles served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQI rights are human rights.”
She then went on to add: “Whether it’s our fans or our family, the LGBTQI community has always supported us and lifted us up. And we thank you for that.
“We are here to promote love for every human being and change starts with supporting the people closest to you.
“So, let’s tell them they are loved, let’s remind them they are beautiful, and parents, let’s love our kids in their truest form.”
Watch her acceptance speech below: