LOS ANGELES – The annual GLAAD Media Awards celebrated fair, accurate, and inclusive LGBTQ+ stories across various media platforms Thursday night, with "Heated Rivalry" and "Stranger Things" emerging as prominent honorees. The ceremony, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, distributed over 30 awards recognizing excellence in movies, television, music, podcasts, and journalism, reinforcing GLAAD’s commitment to shaping a more inclusive media landscape.
Among the evening’s significant victors were the acclaimed series "Palm Royale," "Kiss of the Spider Woman" in film, the popular reality competition "The Traitors," and musical artists Young Miko and KATSEYE. The event also featured special tributes, including the Vanguard Award presented to Quinta Brunson and the Stephen F. Kolzak Award bestowed upon "Las Culturistas" podcast hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. The star-studded affair commenced with a dynamic performance by Demi Lovato, setting an energetic tone for the night’s celebrations. Jonathan Bennett served as the host, guiding attendees through a program that underscored the power of media in fostering understanding and acceptance. For those unable to attend, the 37th GLAAD Media Awards ceremony is scheduled to stream exclusively on Hulu starting March 21.
GLAAD’s Enduring Mission for LGBTQ+ Representation
Since its inception, GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has played a pivotal role in advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility and challenging harmful stereotypes in media. The GLAAD Media Awards, now in its 37th year, stands as a testament to this enduring mission. Far more than just an awards show, the event serves as a critical barometer for progress in media representation, highlighting projects that authentically reflect the diverse lives and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. By celebrating these narratives, GLAAD aims to encourage media creators to produce more inclusive content, ultimately leading to greater societal acceptance and understanding. The awards cover a broad spectrum of media, acknowledging that diverse stories need to be told across all forms, from blockbuster films to niche podcasts and investigative journalism.
Key Victories Across Diverse Categories
The range of categories and winners at this year’s GLAAD Media Awards underscored the expanding presence of LGBTQ+ narratives in contemporary media. "Heated Rivalry" took home the award for Outstanding New TV Series, signaling a promising future for fresh, inclusive storytelling on the small screen. In the realm of established hits, Netflix’s sci-fi phenomenon "Stranger Things" secured the title of Outstanding Drama Series, a recognition that highlights the impact of its beloved character Robin Buckley and her journey. Apple TV’s "Palm Royale" was honored as Outstanding Comedy Series, celebrated for its witty exploration of social dynamics that often feature queer characters and themes.
Film categories saw significant wins, with "Kiss of the Spider Woman" (Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions/LD Entertainment) earning Outstanding Film – Wide Theatrical Release, an important nod to mainstream cinema embracing queer stories. In the Limited Theatrical Release segment, "A Nice Indian Boy" (Blue Harbor Entertainment) and "Plainclothes" (Magnolia Pictures) were co-winners, showcasing a vibrant independent film scene. Netflix’s "Queen of Coal" was recognized as Outstanding Film – Streaming or TV, illustrating the platform’s role in delivering diverse narratives directly to audiences. The documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light" (Apple TV) won in its category, emphasizing the power of non-fiction storytelling in illuminating LGBTQ+ lives.
Reality Television and Youth Programming Shine
Reality programming, often a strong platform for diverse representation, saw "Southern Hospitality" (Bravo) win Outstanding Reality Program, while Peacock’s "The Traitors" secured Outstanding Reality Competition Program. These wins reflect the growing demand for reality shows that feature and celebrate LGBTQ+ contestants and themes, moving beyond tokenism to genuine inclusion.
The awards also extended to younger audiences, acknowledging the importance of early exposure to diverse identities. Disney Jr.’s "Firebuds" was named Outstanding Children’s Programming, while Netflix’s "XO, Kitty" won Outstanding Kids & Family Programming – Live Action. "Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake" (HBO Max) triumphed in the Animated category, indicating that even animated and children’s content are increasingly weaving in LGBTQ+ characters and storylines, helping to normalize and affirm queer identities for younger generations. This progressive shift in children’s media is crucial for fostering an environment of acceptance from an early age.
Music, Broadway, and Podcasts: Amplifying Voices
The music industry also received significant recognition. Puerto Rican artist Young Miko was celebrated as Outstanding Music Artist for her work "Do Not Disturb," reflecting her rising influence and the growing visibility of queer artists in mainstream music. K-Pop group KATSEYE was named Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist for their debut work, a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation within the global pop music scene. On Broadway, Bess Wohl’s "Liberation" was honored as Outstanding Broadway Production, demonstrating the theatrical community’s commitment to telling queer stories on stage.
Podcasts continue to be a powerful medium for intimate and unfiltered storytelling. "Handsome Podcast" (Headgum) won Outstanding Podcast, while "Chappell Roan: Are People Scared of Me?" from "Call Her Daddy" (The Unwell Network / SiriusXM) and "Straight Panic, Gay Excellence" from "I’ve Had It" (PodcastOne) were co-winners for Outstanding Podcast Episode. These awards highlight the personal and impactful nature of audio content in exploring LGBTQ+ issues and experiences.
Gaming, Comics, and Journalism: Expanding Horizons
The world of interactive entertainment and print media also saw important wins. "Lost Records: Bloom and Rage" (DON’T NOD) was recognized as Outstanding Video Game, showcasing the burgeoning inclusion of LGBTQ+ narratives in gaming. In the realm of comics, "Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices" (Marvel Infinity Comics) won Outstanding Comic Book, and "Gaysians" by Mike Curato (Algonquin Books) was named Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology. These accolades reflect the increasing diversity in storytelling within sequential art, making these mediums more reflective of their readership.
Journalism categories were vital in recognizing media outlets and individual journalists dedicated to accurate and impactful reporting on LGBTQ+ issues. "People" magazine received the award for Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage, signaling a mainstream commitment to covering queer stories. Individual journalistic pieces were also celebrated, including "A Transgender Marine Speaks Out" (NBC 7 San Diego) for Outstanding TV Journalism – Long-Form, and "Community during fascism: Actress Laverne Cox on the importance of WorldPride in Trump’s D.C." (MS NOW) for Outstanding TV Journalism – Segment or Special. In print, Christopher Wiggins’ "As the first out trans person in Congress, Sarah McBride is ready to fight for us" (Advocate) won Outstanding Online or Print Journalism Article, highlighting the importance of political representation. "A Mother and Her Trans Teen Decide to Leave the U.S." (NewYorker.com) won for Outstanding Online Journalism – Video or Multimedia, and "Under the Desk News with V Spehar" was honored for Outstanding Independent Journalism. These awards underscore the critical role of media in informing the public and advocating for the community.
Spanish-Language Categories: A Global Perspective
The GLAAD Media Awards also included several Spanish-language categories, acknowledging the importance of inclusive storytelling for Hispanic and Latinx audiences globally. "Mariliendre" (Atresplayer) was awarded Outstanding Scripted Television Series. In journalism, "Ni hombre, ni mujer: Intersexual" (Noticias Telemundo) and "Orgullo 2025 Avances, Desafíos y Caminos" (Spectrum Noticias) were co-winners for Outstanding TV Journalism. "My Coming Out Story" from Quién series won Outstanding Online Journalism Article, and "¿Tienes HIV, Mijo? A Mother’s Journey" (LatiNation) received the award for Outstanding Online Journalism – Video or Multimedia. These wins emphasize the global reach of LGBTQ+ advocacy and the need for culturally relevant representation across different languages and regions.
Looking Ahead: Continued Progress and Advocacy
The 37th GLAAD Media Awards reaffirmed the critical role of media in shaping public perception and fostering a more accepting world for LGBTQ+ individuals. The breadth of winners, from mainstream productions to independent projects and diverse journalistic endeavors, illustrates the ongoing progress in representation. However, the event also served as a reminder that the fight for full equality and accurate portrayal is far from over. As political and social landscapes continue to evolve, GLAAD’s work in monitoring, celebrating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ stories remains indispensable, pushing the entertainment industry and news media toward greater authenticity and inclusion. The awards serve not just as a recognition of past achievements but as a powerful call to action for future content creators to continue championing diverse narratives.
