Jay-Z’s mother is set to receive a GLAAD Media Award
Gloria Carter explained how it is being a gay black woman on her son's single Smile
By Steve Brown
Jay-Z’s mum will receive a GLAAD Media Award.
Gloria Carter’s coming out story was featured on her son’s 4:44 album track Smile and recently the rapper revealed he cried with relief when his mum told him she was a lesbian.
In the song, Gloria briefly appears on the track where her son raps: “Mama had four kids, but she’s a lesbian/ Had to pretend so long that she’s a thespian/Had to hide in the closet, so she medicate/ Society shame and the pain was too much to take/Cried tears of joy when you fell in love/Don’t matter to me if it’s a him or her.”
At the end of the song, Gloria delivers a speech in which she explains what it is like to be a gay black woman.
She says: “You live in the shadows for fear of someone hurting your family or the person you love.
“The world is changing and they say it’s time to be free. But you live with the fear of just being me.”
Now, Gloria will be recognised with a Special Recognition Award for her coming-out story and GLAAD’s president Sarah Kate Ellis announced the news on Wednesday (25.04.18).
She said: “By sharing her truth with the world, Gloria Carter increased visibility of lesbian women of colour at a critical time and sent a powerful message of empowerment to the entire LGBTQ community.
“Her story and the unconditional love that her family exhibits resonate with so many.
“The GLAAD Media Awards will be a critical platform to honour her work and further this important message.”
Director Ava DuVernay – who recently helmed Disney’s latest movie A Wrinkle in Time – will also receive the Excellence in Media Award.
The ceremony will take place in May 5 in New York.