Queerty Awards Highlights LGBTQ+ Representation in Hollywood
Charlize Theron Speaks Out
“They are here and they have always been here”, said the Oscar-winning actress, who presented the Reality TV award to the drag queen series “We’re Here”. “The truth is that they are increasing the visibility of something that has existed for centuries, and they do so at a time when, unfortunately, hatred and violence persist in our society on a daily basis”, lamented Charlize Theron. “A chorus of opposing and noisy voices want to make you believe that you shouldn’t exist” , continued. “But let’s be honest: there is no one louder than a drag queen with a mission.” The actress acknowledged that the moment is difficult but that we cannot give up fighting and referred to the dozens of laws that are being passed to restrict or ban drag queen shows in states like Tennessee and Kentucky. “Drag is not a danger to children”, said Charlize Theron.
Portuguese Descendant Abe Sylvia Recognized
In the inaugural edition of the ceremony, which took place this morning at the Fairmont Century Plaza, several presenters and award winners highlighted the need to defend the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of their representation in Hollywood. One of those distinguished was the Portuguese descendant Abe Sylvia, for being the creator and showrunner of the series “Palm Royale”, starring Kristen Wiig. “Palm Royale is, deep down, a gay fantasy”, said the filmmaker, a descendant of emigrants Azoreans. “My role as a creative was shaped by my discomfort with conformity”, he pointed out, thanking Apple TV+ for giving the space and resources necessary to bring the series to the light of day. The award to the Portuguese descendant was presented by Ricky Martin , who plays Robert in “Palm Royale” and considered it “the most incredible series of the year”.
Ron Nyswaner Makes Political Statement
Ron Nyswaner, creator of “Fellow Travelers” (Skyshowtime) was the winner who most directly alluded to the political situation, talking about the campaign for November elections. “We have to remember that Roy Cohn, who destroyed thousands of lives in the 1950s, was the mentor of one of the presidential candidates”, pointed out the creative, referring to the lawyer who helped Senator McCarthy in the persecution of homosexuals and mentored Donald Trump in his youth. “That should terrify us. This candidate promised to use the presidency to persecute his enemies,” said Nyswaner, referring to Trump. “We have to worry about democracy.”
Nava Mau Honored as Revelation
With illustrious award winners such as George Takei (Social Justice Award), Nathan Lane (Career Award) and RuPaul (Trailblazer), the ceremony also distinguished one of the most acclaimed transsexual actresses of the moment, Nava Mau , who plays Teri in the Netflix hit “Baby Reindeer,” received the revelation statuette. “Today’s ceremony is a testament to what is possible when we lift each other up and invest in each other,” said Mau. “We deserve to be believed in us.” . We deserve to be invested in us.”
FAQ
Are drag queen shows being targeted by laws in some states?
Yes, there are dozens of laws being passed to restrict or ban drag queen shows in states like Tennessee and Kentucky.
Who was the winner that made a political statement during the ceremony?
Ron Nyswaner, the creator of “Fellow Travelers” (Skyshowtime), talked about the campaign for November elections and the dangers he sees in a certain presidential candidate.