Eight times Jennifer Lopez screamed ‘gay rights’ and stanning was the only option
(Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty)
Don’t be fooled by the rocks that she’s got, because Jennifer Lopez is here to show you what a true ally looks like.
While she’s known for many things – her amazing hair, her ridiculously catchy songs, her surprisingly good acting – one thing Miss Jenny from the Block deserves more recognition for is her ongoing support of the LGBT+ community.
From speaking out about the vitality of representation, to producing shows bursting with diversity, JLo is the epitome of someone using their platform to boost marginalised voices.
1. Producer of The Fosters
(Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)
ABC Family show The Fosters features a biracial lesbian couple raising biological, adopted and fostered children.
Jennifer didn’t grow up seeing a lot of representation on TV and said she wanted to be part of something that broke down the barriers of race, gender and ethnicity.
2. Surprising teen who couldn’t give valedictorian speech
Jennifer Lopez met with gay teen Nat Werth
Last year, gay teen Nat Werth was not allowed to give his valedictorian speech at his graduation. When administrators found out he was going to address his sexuality, they put a stop to it.
When Jennifer heard of his story, she invited him backstage at one of her shows in Milwaukee.
JLo tweeted, “everyone deserves love ❤️????
“I heard about Nat’s story and knew I had to meet him. Nat, thank you for celebrating with me… Always standing with you.
“Continue to use your voice and spread only love and acceptance. Don’t stop being you.”
3. Love letter to LGBT+ community
Jennifer Lopez. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images For dcp)
During Pride 2017, Billboard magazine asked pop culture stars to write “love letters” to the LGBT+ community.
JLo used this opportunity to speak about her late gay aunt, Myrza.
She recalled growing up and wanting to be just like her, not knowing what struggles she was going through as a gay woman at the time.
“Life was different and it is heartbreaking for me to think about it now. The people she watched on TV didn’t represent her. Movies didn’t represent her. She thought she was alone.”
Myrza was a big influence in why Lopez is proud to be part of The Fosters, a show that “shines a light on what love looks like”.
4. GLAAD Vanguard Award
In 2014, Jennifer’s commitment to the LGBT+ community was recognised. She scooped the GLAAD Vanguard Award at the 25th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.
In her speech, she thanked her LGBT+ fans, saying: “I have to give it up for my lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender fans because they be loyal.”
5. JLo and Shakira’s Super Bowl performance
(Kevin Winter/Getty)
Gays everywhere went into a worldwide meltdown over this year’s Super Bowl halftime performance.
We were gifted with a Latin infusion of pop greatness and we couldn’t have asked for anything more.
6. That 2000 Grammy’s Versace dress
Jennifer Lopez walks the runway at the Versace show during the Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020. (Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
As we know, JLo single-handedly invented fashion at the 2000 Grammy Awards.
She sent everyone into a frenzy with this iconic look.
So much so that Google Image Search was created just so everyone could get a look at “JLo wearing that dress”, which she latter donned an innovated version of during the Italian brand’s Spring/Summer 2020 show in Milan.
7. Support for same-sex marriage
Jennifer Lopez clearly asking the world why marriage equality isn’t the case for the entire world yet. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ABA)
JLo has been an advocate of equal marriage for years.
In 2014, she tweeted: “Congratulations England and Wales. Gay marriage is legal today #equalmarriage”
Congratulations England and Wales. Gay marriage is legal today #equalmarriage
— Jennifer Lopez (@JLo) March 30, 2014
8. Tribute to Orlando
(Ethan Miller/Getty Images for ABA)
After the shooting at LGBT+ nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida, JLo released a song with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda as a tribute.
The song “Love Make the World Go Round” raised money for the victims of the shooting.
So when it comes to LGBT+ rights, JLo says “let’s get loud” because “love don’t cost a thing” – and “if you want to live your life, live it all the way and don’t waste it.”
It’s clear to see that JLo’s love for the LGBT+ community isn’t going anywhere, and we are blessed to have support from such a radiant and positive woman.
