On March 4, 2026, GLAAD Honors returned to Los Angeles for its fifth year, bringing together artists, storytellers, and advocates for an unforgettable evening at the Fonda Theatre. The celebration honored Black and Brown LGBTQ nominees of the GLAAD Media Awards and spotlighted the creators shaping culture through powerful representation in entertainment, media, and advocacy.
Powered by presenting sponsor Hyundai and supported by major sponsors Gilead Sciences and Hornitos Tequila, along with official sponsors Delta Air Lines and TikTok and community sponsor Truth Initiative, the evening highlighted the transformative power of LGBTQ storytelling across generations and disciplines.
A Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Community
First launched in 2022, #GLAADHonors began as an intimate gathering to recognize a prominent Black LGBTQ nominee of the GLAAD Media Awards. The inaugural celebration honored New York Times bestselling author George M. Johnson, followed by Emmy Award–winning actor and activist Dyllón Burnside the following year. Since then, the event has expanded into a vibrant cultural celebration recognizing the breadth of Black and Brown LGBTQ talent across entertainment, journalism, advocacy, and media.
The 2026 celebration was hosted by actor and writer Jerrie Johnson and playwright and performer Jordan E. Cooper, who guided audiences through a night filled with electrifying performances, meaningful tributes, and unforgettable moments of connection.
The evening featured standout performances from Zach Campbell, rapper LG, drag superstar LaLa Ri, and rising R&B artist Destin Conrad, with music throughout the night curated by DJ Shai.
The program opened with a powerful welcome from GLAAD Vice President of Community and Media DaShawn Usher, GLAAD Associate Director of Community and Media Julian J. Walker, and President and CEO of GLAAD Sarah Kate Ellis. Stage moments from model and actor Isis King, welcomed audiences and introduced Campbell’s performance while underscoring the importance of visibility for Black transgender people in media and storytelling.
Honoring a Legacy of Black Queer Storytelling
A highlight of the evening came when comedian and actor Dewayne Perkins, author George M. Johnson, and actor and GLAAD Associate Director of Community and Media Julian J. Walker presented a special recognition to filmmaker Patrik-Ian Polk and the cast of the groundbreaking series Noah’s Arc.
The tribute marked the 20th anniversary of Noah’s Arc, the first television series to center the lives and relationships of Black gay men. Created by Polk, the series remains a cultural milestone in LGBTQ media history for its honest portrayal of friendship, love, and community. The show also helped bring conversations about HIV into mainstream storytelling, portraying characters navigating life, relationships, and health with nuance and humanity.
During the ceremony, Polk and the cast were presented with a special acknowledgment from the City of Los Angeles recognizing their lasting contributions to Black LGBTQ storytelling and cultural impact within the city.
Spotlighting New Stories and Future Voices
The evening also highlighted emerging voices in film and media. Activist, and writer Hope Giselle-Godsey premiered the trailer for her upcoming film Not Your Average Girl. The documentary explores Giselle’s journey as a Black transgender woman navigating identity, advocacy, and self-discovery, offering an intimate portrait of resilience and empowerment.
A Night of Music and Celebration
To close the evening, GRAMMY Award winner and GLAAD Media Award nominee Durand Bernarr introduced headlining performer Destin Conrad, whose dynamic set brought the audience to its feet and ended the night on a high note.
Guests also participated in the event’s popular and highly anticipated Portrait Station, photographed by visual artist LaQuann Dawson. The installation captured the vibrant fashion, individuality, and joy of attendees, preserving the colorful energy that filled the theater throughout the night.
Continuing the Legacy
As #GLAADHonors continues to grow, the celebration remains rooted in its mission: uplifting Black and Brown LGBTQ creatives and honoring the storytellers whose work expands representation and shapes culture. At a time when it can feel like our stories are being overlooked or undervalued, it is more important than ever that we create our own spaces, open our own doors, and uplift one another in the process. Congratulations to all of this year’s Black and Brown GLAAD Media Award nominees and to the many artists, collaborators, and creatives who helped bring these projects to life. We look forward to continuing to celebrate your work and the even bigger things ahead.
To learn more about #GLAADHonors and other programs uplifting queer people of color by the Community and Media team, check out our GLAAD webpage here!
