Leading into the 35th Annual New York City GLAAD Media Awards, on May 10, 2024, GLAAD’s Communities of Color and Media Department hosted brought the #GLAAD Honors celebration back to New York City, highlighting Black queer creatives and professionals who are pushing the needle forward within media and entertainment. Powered by Gilead Sciences, GLAAD Honors originated as an intimate dinner, and has now blossomed into something bigger than was originally envisioned. This year, the evening’s festivities took place at the iconic Irving Plaza in New York City.
The room was the epitome of Black excellence, as the team was joined by a number of prominent Black LGBTQ talent and figures like creator Tarek Ali, Swiping America’s Ashleigh Warren, activists Daniella Carter and Torrian Baskerville, media personality Peppermint, models Milan and Mermaid Garcon, actors Ahmad Maksoud and Jonathan Burke, model Jari Jones, Darwin Thompson, George Gates and Jerome Jackson from Gilead Sciences, Francisco Ruiz from MS Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, Marcol Rodriguez from the New York City Department of Education, and journalist, activist, and Founder and CEO of TransLash Media Imara Jones, among many others.
Hosted by the extraordinary queen, Harmonica Sunbeam, the night opened with an unforgettable drag performance to Shirley Bassey’s cover of “Get The Party Started.” Harmonica set the tone for the evening, and the audience took her performance and energy as their cue to dance, mingle, and network. The sounds of the night were mixed to perfection by New York based DJ, A D A I R, and the night blossomed into a beautiful expression of community and Black queer joy.
The event also incorporated a portrait station designed and shot by talented photographer and filmmaker, LaQuann Dawson. The station provided attendees with elegant headshots and, in some cases, small group photos that captured the beauty of each attendee.
As part of a partnership with GLAAD, Surface Level Podcast had a moment to showcase and preview their upcoming “Voices: Stay Proud” Campaign. Adding to the night’s intention of amplifying a variety of storytelling, Surface Level’s announcement previewed a campaign that will highlight multiple podcasts created by diverse LGBTQ+ people and will raise awareness to the array of stories and experiences that make up the community.
In style, this year’s Equity in Media and Entertainment Initiative (EMEI) Cohort also attended GLAAD Honors NYC. Similarly to the LA #GLAADHonors celebration in March, the evening showcased music performances from members of the cohort. The Irving Plaza stage was graced by Mylah Muse, Siaira Shawn, Albanus Thierry, Neverending Nina and Damez, leaving the audience in awe
A number of other LGBTQ leaders and figures also appeared onstage to deliver remarks on the resiliency of LGBTQ people, the importance of celebrating Black queer media, culture, and accomplishments, and the need for advancements in health equity and the HIV epidemic. Speakers included GLAAD CEO and President, Sarah Kate Ellis and Senior Director of GLAAD’s Communities of Color and Media Department, DaShawn Usher. Francisco Ruiz, Director of the White House’s Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) and Darwin Thompson, Director of Public Affairs, Corporate Giving at Gilead Sciences also spoke to set the intention for the evening. The need for Black Queer voices and spaces driving storytelling and activism, is imperative to achieving true equity and equality for LGBTQ people of color and people living with HIV (PLWH).
The night ended with a powerful and ramifying message from Julian J. Walker, Associate Director of GLAAD Communities of Color and Media Department: “Black, Queer Stories Matter.” That couldn’t have been said any better.
To follow more of what GLAAD’s Communities of Color Department is up to in amplifying the stories, experiences, and voices of queer people of color, be sure to check the GLAAD webpage here!