LGBT People Must Not Be Invisible In The Media

Ruby Rose has highlighted the importance of LGBT people in the media in supporting young people at the GLAAD Media Awards.

During her acceptance speech for the Stephen F Kolzak Award, Rose said she knows too well the sense of yearning young people have for characters they can relate to in television. And she is grateful that she is now part of a show that gives others hope and inspiration.

“I’m just so blessed to have experienced both sides of this journey. To have searched endlessly for…someone I can relate to on TV – and then coming full circle and being in a show that I know has done the same thing for so many people.”

“I truly understand how important it is that we are not invisible. That young people everywhere can turn to the media and be included. Not treated like they do not or should not exist.”

Rose praised the work of GLAAD for its tireless efforts in the media.

“Slowly but surely, year after year, I’ve watched the world change, and it’s evolving. And we’ve come such a long way. And that is because of GLAAD. GLAAD was there pushing the studios to do better, demanding that the LGBT community be represented.”

Taylor Swift presented Rose the award, which is presented to an LGBT + “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender +” media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance.

Here’s the winners from the 2016 GLAAD Media Awards

• Vanguard Award: Demi Lovato 

• Stephen F. Kolzak Award: Ruby Rose 

• Outstanding Reality Program: TIE: I Am Cait and I Am Jazz 

• Outstanding TV Movie or Limited Series: Bessie 

• Outstanding Drama Series: Sense8

• Outstanding Spanish-Language Television Interview: “Orientación sexual y acoso escolar” Realidades en Contexto 

• Outstanding Film – Wide Release: Carol 

• Outstanding Comedy Series: Transparent 

• Outstanding Documentary: “Kumu Hina” 

• Outstanding Daily Drama: The Bold and The Beautiful

• Outstanding Music Artist: Troye Sivan, Blue Neighbourhood 

• Outstanding Comic Book: Lumberjanes, written by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Kat Leyh 

• Outstanding Talk Show Episode: “Janet Mock” Super Soul Sunday