Beyoncé Receives GLAAD Award With Jay-Z For LGBTQ Advocacy [Photos, Videos]

Beyoncé and Jay-Z received the Vanguard Award for their LGBTQ advocacy at the 30th annual GLAAD Media Awards held in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The award is given to people who make a “significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people.” The previous recipients of the award include Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.

During the acceptance speech, Beyoncé said, "Well, first of all I'm overwhelmed. Just super honored and overwhelmed. I already cried and put a run in my stocking. One of the most beautiful memories of my tour was looking out from the stage every night and seeing the hardest gangster tramping out right next to the most fabulous queen. Respecting and celebrating each other."

"That's the beauty of a great partnership. Connecting people who at first glance, seem to be world's apart. Whether it's our fans or our families, the LGBTQI community has always supported us and lifted us up. We thank you," she said.

"We're here to promote love for every human being. And change begins with those closest to you. So let's tell them they are loved. Let's remind them they are beautiful, let's speak out and protect them. And parents, let's love our kids in their truest form," she said.

Beyoncé went on to dedicate the award to her uncle Jhonny, who struggled with HIV. Calling him the “the most fabulous gay man” she has ever met, Beyoncé said her uncle raised her and her sister. “He lived his truth, he was brave and unapologetic when his countrymen did not accept him,” she said.

Beyoncé concluded her speech by saying, "LGBTQI rights are human rights. To choose who you love is your human right, how you identify and see yourself is your human right. Who you make love to and take that a-- to Red Lobster is your human right."

Several people took to Twitter to express their happiness on Beyoncé and Jay-Z receiving the award.

GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis had earlier said in a statement, “Beyoncé and Jay-Z are global icons and passionate defenders of human rights and acceptance for all people. When Beyoncé and Jay-Z speak, the world becomes inspired and when it comes to LGBTQ people, their voices of acceptance have been heard loud and clear. We could not be prouder to stand with them to send a message of love during the biggest LGBTQ event in the world and to honor their work to bend the arc of justice forward for LGBTQ people, people of color, and marginalized communities everywhere," the Entertainment Weekly reported.