Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty
Karine Jean-Pierreis stepping into her new position with the LGBTQ community behind her.
Afterher historic appointmentas the first Black and openly gayWhite Housepress secretary this week, Jean-Pierre, 44, was met with a standing ovation as she took the stage at Friday’s 33rdGLAAD Media Awardsin New York City.
“Thank you, family. As a member of the LGBTQ community, family, I am excited to be here with all of you to show that visibility matters,” she said in her speech. “Representation matters for all marginalized communities at every intersection.”
“I am proud of the work that GLAAD and so many LGBTQ organizations have done to speak up on matters that move our country forward, like voting rights, reproductive rights, the Equality Act, and appointing the first Black female justice to the Supreme Court,” Jean-Pierre added while introducing GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
Jean-Pierre, who previouslymade history with her first White House press briefinglast May,was announced as the next press secretaryon Thursday, replacingJen Psakionce she departs the role on May 13. PresidentJoe Bidenwelcomed Jean-Pierre to the position in a statement.
Karine Jean-Pierre at the 2022 GLAAD Media Awards.Monica Schipper/Getty
“Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people,” Biden, 79, said. “Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration.”
Also present at Friday’s GLAAD Media Awards wasAriana DeBose, who sang “Somewhere” from her Academy Award-winning performance inWest Side Storybefore presentingJudith Lightwith the excellence in media award.
Light, 73, used her acceptance speech to take a stand against anti-LGBTQ legislation currently sweeping the country.
“Sadly, today, we are living through another cycle of violence and sorrow particularly for marginalized communities,” she said. “There aredeeply destructive billsin Florida, Alabama and Texas. No one of any race, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability should have to face discrimination from their own government.”
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The GLAAD Media Awards in N.Y.C.come after the organization’s awards showlast month in Los Angeles, whereKacey MusgravesandMichaela Jaé Rodriguezwere among those honored.
source: people.com
