Taylor Swift Recognized For LGBTQ+ Advocacy With GLAAD Media Vanguard Award

2020 is shaping up to be another big year for Taylor Swift, who will receive the Vanguard Award at this year's GLAAD Media Awards for being an outspoken ally of the LGBTQ+ community.


In a statement released today (January 7), Sarah Kate Ellis, the CEO and President of GLAAD, reported that Swift will be this year's honoree. "From boldly standing up against anti-LGBTQ elected officials to shining attention on the urgent need to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination by means of the Equality Act, Taylor Swift proudly uses her unique ability to influence pop culture to promote LGBTQ acceptance," Ellis said.


Swift's single "You Need to Calm Down" is just one example of how she's advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. In it, she calls for fans to sign her petition for Senate support of the Equality Act while calling out homophobes and shouting out GLAAD, specifically. "Why are you furious? / Whenever you can would be GLAAD?" She sings. Her support of the company and the LGBTQ+ community definitely hasn't gone unnoticed.


"In a time of political and cultural division, Taylor creates music that unites and calls on her massive fan following to speak up and call for change," Ellis added. And since the Vanguard Award is given to "allies who have made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people," Swift is definitely deserving of this year's honor.


The "Lover" singer isn't the only one who will be deriving a special honor at the Awards ceremony this year. Janet Mock — a writer, director, and activist who became the initial trans woman of color to write and direct a TV episode on Pose — will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak award, which is given out every year to a LGBTQ member of the media who has worked tirelessly to eliminate homophobia and promote acceptance.


"Janet Mock is a trailblazing force for diverse and inclusive storytelling who has raised the bar for LGBTQ representation in Hollywood," Ellis mentioned. "She tells stories that need to be told, including those of transgender people and people of color, in revolutionary and eye-opening ways that inspire and enrich."


The 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards will be contained in Los Angeles on April 16. The whole list of nominees will be reported on Wednesday, January 8.