Beyoncé breaks down at GLAAD awards as she reveals her uncle died of an HIV related illness
Beyoncé has revealed for the first the loss of a family member to an HIV-related illness.
The singer broke down crying while receiving an award at the GLAAD Awards, when she revealed she had lost her uncle, Johnny, to an HIV-related condition.
Beyoncé accepted the Vanguard Award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, alongside her husband Jay-Z.
After receiving the award, she paid tribute to her late uncle, describing him as “the most fabulous gay man I have ever met.
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The singer added: “He lived his truth and was brave and unapologetic at a time when this country wasn't as accepting.
“Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I've ever lived...
“I'm hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely.”
She added: “To choose who you love is your human right.
“How you identify and see yourself is your human right.
“Who you make love to and take to Red Lobster is your human right.”
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Beyoncé went on to tell the cheering crowd: “LGBTQI rights are human rights.”
No other details about Johnny or his illness and death have been revealed so far.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z were recognised for their ongoing support for LGBTQ people with the Vanguard Award, an honour given to those who actively promote acceptance and tolerance of LGBTQ people.
Beyoncé later celebrated the win on Instagram, where she shared pictures of the couple posing with their awards.