Cape Town - Music royalty, Beyoncé and Jay-Z attended the 30th annual GLAAD Media Awards, which celebrates the gay community on Tuesday night.
The celebrity power couple jointly took to the stage to accept the Vanguard Award for their outstanding contribution and significant stand for acceptance and support of LGBTQIA+ people of colour.
In her speech, Beyoncé paid an emotional tribute to her uncle, who died during the AIDS crisis.
"I want to dedicate this award to my uncle Johnny, the most fabulous gay man I have ever known, who helped raise me and my sister," she said.
She further explained how unapologetic he was of his choice of living and was so brave in an era where society was not accepting of people like him, the singer added that she hopes that her uncle’s story will inspire young people to live their lives freely.
"He lived his truth, and was brave and unapologetic at a time when this country wasn’t as accepting, and witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived.
"I’m hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQI rights are human rights."
Jay-Z also paid his own tribute to his mother, Gloria Carter who came out on his 2017 song titled Smile.
He said: "Life is full of highs, lows, and a lot of learning. This is a momentous night and I also want to honour my mother who received the award last year.
I get to follow in her footsteps of spreading love and acceptance [and thank her] for allowing me to tell her story."
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Before taking to the stage to accept the award, a drag performer Shangela delivered an epic Beyoncé tribute performance, mimicking the pop star's choreography.
And yes, Beyoncé enjoyed the performance.
"I'm overwhelmed. I've put a run in my stocking from Shangela," she said after the performance.
