LGBTQ Icon: Britney Spears To Receive The GLAAD Vanguard Award

Mike Nied | February 13, 2018 1:41 pm

Britney Spears is confirmed for her second awards show appearance in the coming months. Last week it was revealed that her new fragrance, Fantasy In Bloom, will be recognized as the fragrance of the year at the 2018 Hollywood Beauty Awards on February 25. Today (February 13), she was revealed to be the recipient of the Vanguard Award at the 2018 GLAAD Media Awards for her contributions to the LBGTQ community.

“An irrefutable icon, Britney Spears has entertained the world while also embodying the spirit of GLAAD’s Vanguard Award by speaking out on significant issues that face her fans – from the Dream Act to anti-transgender bills in Texas,” Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD said in a press release shared with Billboard. She went on to praise the “Slumber Party” siren for using her platform to “share messages of love and acceptance, something the world needs today more than ever.”

The 36-year-old has been a longtime ally of the community. Last year she teamed up with Billboard to participate in the publication’s Love Letters to the LGBTQ Community project during Pride Month. Her handwritten letter expressed admiration. “I have a secret to share with you. You see, it’s actually you that lifts me up,” she wrote. “Your stories are what inspire me, bring me joy and make me and my sons strive to be better people.” In 2016 she joined forces with Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, BloodPop, Selena Gomez and more to record the charity single “Hands” in honor of the lives lost in the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting.

She will accept the award at Los Angeles’ Beverly Hilton on April 12. Other recipients of the prestigious award include Jennifer Lopez, Cher, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Jackson, Demi Lovato, Josh Hutherson, Whoopi Goldberg and Kerry Washington. Last year it went to acclaimed actress Patricia Arquette. This is of course the second vanguard award Britney has received. In 2011 she received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at MTV’s Video Music Awards.

The pop princess took to Instagram to voice her appreciation for the recognition. “Honored to be receiving the Vanguard Award at the @GLAAD Media Awards this year! The LGBTQ community means the absolute world to me and inspires me every day. I am proud to be an ally and I will continue to support equality and acceptance for all,” she wrote. Check out Brit’s response below!

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