Showing posts with label 20th annual GLAAD media awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 20th annual GLAAD media awards. Show all posts

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: