Monday, March 30, 2009

Clay Aiken, Tyra Banks & the GLAAD Awards

Clay Aiken presented the Excellence in Media Award to Tyra Banks at the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards ceremony.

Clay Aiken wrote his speech, prepared especially for his good friend Tyra. The following excerpt was particularly moving. Reading this, you can tell why Clay and Tyra are such good friends - they are of one heart.

Yes, her talk show gives air time to some of the issues that our community cares about most, like marriage equality, gay and lesbian people of faith, and transgender people, but Tyra doesn’t necessarily do these things just to make a statement. She doesn’t just address these issue for the impact. She includes, embraces and celebrates because that’s just how she is. Cause she knows it’s right. She doesn’t marginalize, she normalizes. She never sensationalizes or exploits, she just cherishes the value of every human being. Because the only thing bigger than her influence is her heart. Her deep respect for the value of all people has led her to make it part her mission to educate the mainstream public about the lives of gay and transgender people, reaching millions of young people nationwide with her message of inclusion and acceptance.
Video link of Clay Aiken and Tyra Banks at the GLAAD Awards:



13 comments:

Deona said...

Clay is very articulate and well-spoken. And he obviously admires Tyra Banks a great deal. Congratulations to Tyra on the Excellence in Media Award!

Anonymous said...

I'm not surprised at the great intro/speech Clay did for Tyra. He is very articulate and an experienced speaker. Loved the video! Congrats to Tyra!

PaulaBear said...

Clay Aiken is such an articulate speaker no matter what the subject. Tyra is very fortunate to have Clay as a friend, and she must have been thrilled to receive her award from him.

Dianne Barbee said...

SueRue,

Thank you for sharing all this wonderful news about Clay Aiken. The video of both speeches is awesome.

Thank you, too, for your kind remarks in the new Carolina blog.

Have a great week!

Caro

mariedrummond said...

Clay has such stature and poise when he speaks... A joy to watch!!!

Tyra's speech was amazing!!! And I'm sure having her friend present this very special award to her made it even more touching.

Anonymous said...

When I heard the speech introducing Tyra I immediately wondered if Clay had written it, it had his stamp all over it. I'm proud of him and what he's accomplished. Clay has always been about inclusion so he was the perfect person to present the award to his good friend Tyra.

Anonymous said...

What a great thing to be able to honor a true friend. Clay loves his people!!

gaymarie said...

Thank you Sue! Great blog!

I love me some Clay Aiken and Tyra!!

stargazer said...

It's so wonderful to find an educated, articulate guy in the entertainment industry. So many of today's young pop stars and rappers eschew education and go for the money. Clay finished his college education after his gig on AI and during the AI Tour I believe and perhaps because of that, he is able to write intelligently and speak beautifully on any occasion. Clay is always confident and dynamic in any given situation.

Plus, he has a huge heart.

Anonymous said...

Nice Job Sue. I love reading interesting articles like this.

---CLM

Dolly said...

Great speech by both Clay Aiken and Tyra Banks..enjoyed watching. Thanks!

Allegra said...

I'm kind of loving his busy drought. So much news while we wait to see what's next career-wise. :)

Ashes said...

Hi Sue! I stopped over to give a hug and thank you for your support of my blog.
I am shocked to see my post here for this blog..isn't! I know I posted, so I am sorry, it went off into cyberspace somewhere I guess.

Hugs, Ashes