GLAAD announced today it will honour multi-platinum selling recording artist Demi Lovato at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on April 2, 2016.
The awards honours media for accurate and inclusive representations of members of the LGBT community as well as the issues affecting them. Lovato will be recognised for her efforts to promote acceptance and equality.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the GLAAD Media Awards will be televised exclusively on Logo in a one-hour special premiering Monday, April 4 at 10PM ET/PT.
Demi Lovato is a singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. The multi-platinum selling recording artist has tirelessly spoken out in support of full acceptance for LGBT people. Lovato has publicly celebrated her late gay grandfather, who came out in the 1960s, and whose courage she cites as a driving force compelling her to “speak out and stand up for what I believe in.” Having previously participated in LGBT pride celebrations in Los Angeles and New York, her music video for Really Don’t Care, the platinum single from her fourth album Demi, was also filmed at L.A. Pride and included strong messages of acceptance for LGBT people. In 2013, Lovato brought to life a lesbian character on FOX’s hit show Glee, and noted she hoped to “inspire people with my character to love who they are and accept who they are.”
An advocate for young people everywhere, Lovato has also consistently shown her commitment to LGBT youth. She participated as an ambassador for GLAAD’s annual anti-bullying campaign, Spirit Day, wearing purple to show her support for LGBT youth. During a world tour, Lovato recorded a message for LGBT fans in Latin America, offering support and urging bullying victims to use the resources of Todo Mejora, the It Gets Better Project’s Chilean affiliate.
“Demi Lovato has consistently used her platform as a successful artist to send messages of acceptance and support to LGBT people everywhere,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “She is an extraordinary ally who is committed to helping young people embrace who they are and live the lives they love.”
The Vanguard award will be presented to Lovato at a ceremony on April 2. Previous honorees include Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Kristin Chenoweth.
