Mel B, Spice Girl and a new judge on America's Got Talent, presented international pop star Adam Lambert with the Davidson/Valentini Award Saturday night at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco. Lambert was also the co-recipient of the award for Outstanding Music Artist for his album Trespassing; he tied with Frank Ocean for Ocean's debut album Channel Orange. Check out the video of Lambert's acceptance speech below:
Speaking of the challenges associated with being an out entertainer, Lambert said, "We are right in the middle of two generations with two different perspectives but one common thread - love. With all the differences of opinion both within the LGBT community and elsewhere, the best we can do is to keep it real and to spread a message of acceptance. If we can inspire even one person to open their mind, or another to be who they want to be, whether they're gay or straight, old or young, man or woman, black or white – then it's worth being objectified by the sometimes frustrating world of media sensationalism."
Lambert continued, "Thank you to GLAAD for recognizing my efforts, because I put a lot of effort into this. I think about it a lot (it makes me crazy), but my goal is to try to represent both myself and my community proudly."
The Davidson/Valentini Award, named after GLAAD's first executive director Craig Davidson and his partner Michael Valentini, is presented to an out LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBT community. Previous Davidson/Valentini honorees include Lee Daniels, Ilene Chaiken, Alec Mapa, B.D. Wong and Sandra Bernhard.
Thank you @glaad for honoring me at the #glaadwards. Text GLAAD to 80888 to donate $10 to support GLAAD's work
— Adam Lambert (@adamlambert) May 12, 2013
Upon the release of Lambert's second album Trespassing, of which he is the executive producer and principal writer, Lambert became the first out LGBT artist to reach number one on the Billboard 200. The album made numerous year-end "best of" lists, including Rolling Stone and People, and Lambert supported the album by embarking on a successful world tour. Lambert has participated in Spirit Day in the past by going purple to show support for LGBT youth and has also performed with legendary rock band Queen in critically-acclaimed sold-out shows across Europe.
Glaad Spirit Day! I support LBGT youth against bullies! Put up your forcefields and don't let anyone take your energy!!
— Adam Lambert (@adamlambert) October 20, 2011
Also at the event, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom received the Golden Gate Award. The reigning World Series champion San Francisco Giants received the Corporate Leader Award. Guests included: Melanie Brown (America's Got Talent, Spice Girls); Tamala Jones (Castle); Guillermo Diaz (Scandal); Jessica Clark (True Blood); Jinkx Monsoon (RuPaul's Drag Race); Rex Lee (Suburgatory); Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Peter Paige (The Fosters); Jaymes Vaughn, James Davis (The Amazing Race); Kyle Richards (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills); Jennifer Biesty, Ryan Scott, Josie Smith-Malave (Top Chef); Laverne Cox, E.J. Bonilla (Musical Chairs); Travis Fine, Isaac Leyva (Any Day Now); Dan Parent (writer, artist Kevin Keller); Marc Lamont Hill (HuffPost Live); Prop 8 plaintiffs Jeff Zarrillo, Paul Katami, Kris Perry, Sandra Stier; LGBT advocates Karen and Eric Andresen, Shane Bitney Crone, Jennifer Tyrrell and Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler; former Pittsburgh Pirates owner Kevin McClatchy; number one WNBA draft pick Brittney Griner; GLAAD National Spokespersons Wilson Cruz and Omar Sharif, Jr..
Photos and videos are available here.
Additional awards were announced on March 16 in New York City and in Los Angeles on April 20.
The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were presented nationally by Ketel One and Wells Fargo, and presented locally in San Francisco by Southwest Airlines.
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