Christina Aguilera, Bad Bunny and Jeremy Pope to Be Honored at This Year’s GLAAD Media Awards in L.A.
Bad Bunny kicked off the party at this past weekend's Grammys, and now he's bringing his festive fiesta to the GLAAD Media Awards.
GLAAD has announced that Latin trap and reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny (a.k.a. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) will be the recipient of the Vanguard Award at the upcoming 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The Vanguard Award is "presented to allies who have made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues. Past honorees have included Beyoncé and JAY-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Kerry Washington, Cher, Janet Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Kacey Musgraves and Antonio Banderas."
As Logo previously reported, Bad Bunny has been a vocal ally of the LGBTQ community. He has included trans women and same-sex couples in his videos, and he also called out fellow reggaeton star Don Omar on social media for making homophobic comments. The Puerto Rican rapper even kissed one of his male backup dancers during his performance of "Tití Me Preguntó" at the 2022 VMAs.
"It does not define me,” Bad Bunny said of his own sexuality. "At the end of the day, I don’t know if in 20 years I will like a man. One never knows in life. But at the moment I am heterosexual and I like women."
In the Vanguard Award announcement, GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said: “Bad Bunny uses his role as one of the world’s most popular music artists to boldly shine a light on LGBTQ people and issues, including transgender equality and ending violence against trans women of color. By consistently advocating for our community, elevating our stories, and demanding action from anti-LGBTQ leaders, Bad Bunny redefines the positive influence Latin music artists can have within the LGBTQ community, and has set an example for all artists.”
The "Me Porto Bonito" singer is not the only star being honored at this year's GLAAD Media Awards. Music superstar — and LGBTQ ally — Christina Aguilera will receive GLAAD’s Advocate for Change Award. Previous honorees of the award include Madonna and President Bill Clinton.
"Christina Aguilera is a beloved icon who has inspired and shared messages of love for the LGBTQ community since the start of her music career. From using her voice to speak out against anti-LGBTQ legislation to creating songs and music videos that showcase LGBTQ love, Christina loudly and proudly raises the bar for what it means to be an LGBTQ ally today,” said GLAAD President & CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis.
Finally, Pose and Hollywood actor Jeremy Pope — who garnered awards buzz for his critically-acclaimed role in last year's The Inspection — will be the recipient of the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. The honor is "presented to an LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in raising visibility and promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues. Previous honorees include Laverne Cox, Wanda Sykes, Jim Parsons, Ruby Rose, Chaz Bono, Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres, and Michaela Jae Rodriguez."
Aguilera, Pope, and Bad Bunny will all be honored at the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards L.A. Ceremony which takes place at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday, March 30, 2022.