Earlier this week Broadway and television star Kristin Chenoweth, a long-time ally of the LGBT community, reinforced her strong belief that being a Christian and being a supporter of LGBT equality are not incompatible.
At the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, GLAAD presented Chenoweth with the Vanguard Award. The Vanguard Award is presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
During her emotionally-charged acceptance speech, Chenoweth said, "I want to encourage many people of all faiths to come forward and stand with me, even if you don't believe in Jesus the way I do. He did teach love. Not just tolerance, but acceptance."
Two years later, Kristin Chenoweth still stands strong in her commitment to both the LGBT movement and her Christian faith.
In an interview with Gay Star News, she says, "I just want it [marriage for same-sex couples] to hurry up and not be an issue anymore! I’m very proud of the work that has been done so far, I want us to hurry it up a bit more. I think it’s important to say this because a lot of people think if you’re religious or you have any sort of faith, you’re automatically against equality in marriage."
GLAAD would like to thank Kristin Chenoweth for continuing to voice her support for the LGBT community, and for demonstrating that being a Christian and an ally can not only be reconciled, but also celebrated.