The 2023 GLAAD Media Awards will take place in New York City on Saturday, May 13.
(Image: Supplied)
Maren Morris is set to receive GLAAD’s ‘Excellence In Media’ Award, given out each year to “allies who have made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people,” at the 2023 GLAAD Media Awards in New York City on Saturday, May 13.
The Humble Quest singer has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights in recent years, teaming up with GLAAD and other organisations to protest recent anti-LGBTQ bills passed in the U.S.
"Flanked by queer music artists and allies across country music, Morris boldly showed the LGBTQ community that they belong, from the heart of country music itself," a GLAAD representative commented. "Through multiple mediums, Morris has spoken out in support of LGBTQ people and issues and garnered national attention for her defense of transgender people."
Last month, Morris headlined Love Rising, an event to push back against Tennessee's newly signed anti-drag and anti-trans legislation that includes restrictions on books, drag performances, and healthcare for transgender youth.
"I brought my son here earlier today for soundcheck... and we got to go in the room where all the queens were getting ready and doing their makeup. And he freaked out when he went in there because it's just magic what drag queens do. There's wigs everywhere, and the smell of hairspray and wig glue; there's glitter; everyone's in a good mood," Morris said on stage. "It's just like a room of love. And we went back to my dressing room and my son is like, 'I need the queens!'"
"Yes, I introduced my son to some drag queens today," Morris continued, "So, Tennessee, f---ing arrest me. He’s growing up here as a Nashvillian, and I just want to leave this world for him a little bit better than the one we’re in right now. And I feel like nights like tonight help do that.”
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Previous recipients of the ‘Excellence in Media’ Award include Judith Light, Ava DuVernay, Patti LaBelle, Debra Messing, Tyra Banks, Julianne Moore, Barbara Walters, and Diane Sawyer.
In March, Brooke Eden was nominated for her first GLAAD Media Awards for ‘Outstanding Breakthrough Artist’ – the sole female Country music artist nominated across all categories.
“As a country artist, I aim to reach beyond the norms of our genre and connect the dots between small town living and real life love of all forms,” Eden told Billboard’s Tetris Kelly of her nomination. “Although there is still more understanding and progress to be made, I’m so proud to see the forward movement in the country music space. The LGBTQ+ community belongs everywhere music is made, and I’m honoured to be amongst these icons are making strides toward a more inclusive world.”
GLAAD is the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization. The 2023 GLAAD Media Awards will take place in New York City on Saturday, May 13.
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