The Cast of Pose, Ben Platt, and Other LGBTQ+ Icons Came Together at the Virtual GLAAD Awards Ceremony

Leave it to the LGBTQ+ community to combat the woes of 2020 with a celebration of love and acceptance at the GLAAD Awards. Each year the ceremony honors exceptional LGBTQ+ talent in media and last night, the awards— hosted virtually—offered moments for "attendees" to laugh at their computer screens, cry tears of joy, and feel a sense of unity despite the distance.

“We have to come together to show unity,” special presenter Kandi Burruss told Vogue. “Especially in times like these. I’m more than happy that we can celebrate together no matter the circumstances.” 

There wasn’t an official best-dressed title awarded for the evening, but if such a thing existed, perhaps Lil Nas X, winner of the Outstanding Music Artist Award, and his sheer white blouse by CQbyCQ would take the win. Or, maybe, the title would go to Cara Delevingne, who appeared in a gay rendition of a fairy godmother with towering platforms and a rainbow coat. Not even the absence of a red carpet could stop special guests from presenting their fiercest quarantine looks. 

Fortune Feimster and Gina Yashere had the honor of hosting the night. Surrounded by a rustic bicycle, piles of lemons, and a pool, the pair of comedians did what they do best: Take nothing seriously (though, they did reassure the audience that they, along with their crew members, have been following safety precautions carefully).

“The awards are virtual this year, which means my mom is still trying to figure out how to open the link,” Feimster joked. 

Alongside Lil Nas X, the talented cast and producers of Pose accepted the award for Outstanding Drama Series; Schitt’s Creek won the Outstanding Comedy Series Award; Booksmart took the award for Outstanding Film Wide Release; Dolly Parton accepted the award for Outstanding Individual Episode; Rachel Maddow received the award for Outstanding Journalism; Raquel Willis won the award for Outstanding Magazine Article; and Ryan O’ Connell, Mark Segal, and Karen Ocamb were awarded special recognitions.

As for the musical performances, Ben Platt, who stars as the politically determined Payton Hobart in The Politician, kicked-off the night with the performance of "Honest Man," an original song he wrote while dating someone who was still in the closet.

Then, after being introduced by Demi Lovato, trans activist and singer Shea Diamond dazzled audiences with a soulful performance of "I Am America." And lastly, Chloe x Halle topped the night in a stunning performance that featured RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, Mayhem Miller, and Naomi Smalls. 

Though the night was filled with entertainment, two serious messages remained constant: The first, to vote for an administration that doesn’t continue to reverse the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The second, to protect Black trans people.

“During this era of political and cultural division, LGBTQ+ images in media are crucial in accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ+community and countering the dangerous rise in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric,” said GLAAD President CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. 

As the evening inched closer to its end, this sentiment seemed even more prevalent during the presentation of the award that would eventually land in the hands of the cast and producers of Pose. The presenters, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union showed their solidarity in a tear-tugging love-note to their trans daughter, Zaya. 

But if there’s anyone that can speak on these sentiments, it’s Angelica Ross, who some may know as the fearless Candy Ferocity in Pose. "The only thing that is different is that the mic is hot,” the actress and businesswoman told Vogue. “We are making baby steps compared to the rest of the LGBTQ+ community. But, trans people are getting stronger. Trans people are becoming more resilient.” 

When asked about what society can expect from trans representation in media, Ross simply says “the best is yet to come.” 

The 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards will air on Logo on Monday, August 3.