Photo Courtesy: Hollywood Reporter
Pop icon Jay-Z took to the stage at the 30th annual Media's Vanguard awards and shared his mother's struggle about concealing her sexual orientation for the sake of her children. Jay's latest album 4:44 has a track, 'Smile' that features his mother Gloria Carter. "Mama had four kids, but she's a lesbian. Had to pretend so long that she's a thespian. Had to hide in the closet, so she medicate. Society shame and the pain was too much to take," he raps on the track.
Jay Sean performs live at Déjà Vu
At the event, Jay-Z, who was accompanied by his wife Beyonce, said he is following the footsteps of his mother and spreading love. Meanwhile, an overwhelmed Beyonce was quoted by Variety saying: "We are here to promote love for every human being. Let's tell them they are loved, tell them they are beautiful, speak out and protect them. And parents, let's love our kids in their truest form,"
She revealed that her Uncle Johnny was "the most fabulous gay man" who helped raise her and her sister. "He lived his truth. He was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country was not as accepting. Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I've ever lived. To choose who you love is your human right, how you identify and see yourself is your human right."
The duo was conferred with GLAAD Media's Vanguard award on Thursday (local time), which Beyonce said she would like to dedicate to her Uncle Johnny. The pop icons now join the ranks of Britney Spears, Cher, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Antonio Banderas, and Demi Lovato.
