Performers and Attendees at 2021 MTV EMAs Supporting LGBTQ+

Yungblud

Yungblud promoted visibility for the LGBTQ+ community with his acceptance speech for best alternative. "This is an award in tribute to individualism. This is an award for the 13-year-old boy from the North of England who was absolutely terrified to be who he was," he said. "I would like to look down that lens right now and say if you are out there and you feel like you cannot be who you are, you can be. Keep fighting, keep being brilliant. Your imagination and your individuality is the best thing you can have."

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Riccardo Simonetti

Image Source: Getty / Daniele Venturelli

German entertainer and activist Riccardo Simonetti, who is also the LGBTQ+ goodwill ambassador for the EU Parliament, wore a powerful look for the MTV EMAs red carpet. He wore the names of 12 queer people who were killed in the last year. "I hope by writing their names on my face tonight it will help to make people realize how deadly homophobia/transphobia is and how urgent the call is for a change", he wrote on Instagram, urging followers to read about their lives and stories.

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Viktória Radványi

Image Source: Getty / Tristan Fewings

Hungarian LGBTQ+ activist Viktória Radványi won the 2021 generation change award, which aims to recognise "fearless, original young people who are tackling the world's toughest problems through music, storytelling or digital media." The award was presented by Drew Barrymore, who said, "I am proud to elevate these young voices; they are all bravely asking for the simple right to love who they want and to love who they are."

"My dearest Hungarian LGBTQ siblings, this award goes to all of you," Radványi opened her acceptance speech. "We must make our voices heard. Let's take care of each other, let's self-organise, and let's get out and vote together. Please, please never accept the notion that you should tolerate violence and discrimination. Every single human being is born equal, period. Let's show those who want to deny our rights and want to take away our freedom, that our community is strong, united, and determined," she said.

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Jeetendr Sehdev

Image Source: Getty / Kate Green

The British-American professor, activist, and media personality used the red carpet and his velvet red Gucci suit (the same one Gwyneth Paltrow wore recently) to send a message to Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán: "Orban, Love Wins!"

"The fact that we're all here in Budapest sends a powerful message to Orbán and Hungary. We will not accept your discriminatory laws, and we must fight for everyone's equal rights, and love must always win," Sehdev said of his sartorial decision.

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Saweetie

Saweetie made a point during her epic performance at the MTV EMAs to show the importance of equality and support. "We need to make sure that we respect each other. That's why it is so important that we stand up for the LGBTQ+ community and everybody pushing for equality," she said.

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Jade Thirlwall

Jade Thirlwall's display of allyship for the community was subtle but important. During her acceptance speech for best UK and Ireland act on behalf of Little Mix, Thirlwall wore a "Gay Pride" jumper.

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Kim Petras

Kim Petras performed an incredibly sex-positive mash-up of "Coconuts" and "Hit It From The Back" at the MTV EMAs. Taking a stand against Hungary's recent censorship laws — which ban the legal recognition of trans citizens, outlaw gender transition and gay adoption — her performance was a powerful statement.

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