J. Merritt/Getty Images for GLAADBritney Spears received a standing ovation at Thursday night’s GLAAD Media Awards, where she was honored with the organization’s Vanguard Award for being an ally and supporter of the LGBTQ community.
Introduced by Ricky Martin, the crowd cheered like crazy as Britney took the stage in a very short, silver spangled gown with a plunging neckline. She described the honor as “incredibly amazing,” and then delivered a speech she wrote.
“I feel like our society has always put such an emphasis on what’s normal, and to be different is unusual, or seen as strange,” Britney told the crowd. “But to be accepted unconditionally and to be able to express yourself as an individual through art is such a blessing. Events such as these…show the world we are not alone.”
She continued, “We can all join hands together here and know that we are all beautiful,” as the crowd cheered wildly. “And we can lift each other up and show our gifts without hesitation.”
“Being a mother has shown me what it means to love unconditionally,” Britney added. “And you all in this room have shown me throughout my career what it means to be loved unconditionally…thank you to the LGBTQ community and my family, and all of my friends and fans.”
According to USA Today, later that night, The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons related how watching Britney’s “…Baby One More Time” video inspired him to ace an audition for a prestigious acting school.
Earlier in the night, figure skater Adam Rippon summed up Britney’s impact on the community by saying, “Every time Britney does a runway walk on Instagram, a little gay child gets his wings.”
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