Lady Gaga delivered an empowering message about the transgender community at the 67th Grammy Awards.
"Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love," Gaga said on the main stage. She did so after winning in the category of Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Bruno Mars for their song "Die With a Smile."
Gaga was not the only gay icon to advocate for trans people on music's biggest night. Chappell Roan, speaking to GLAAD on the red carpet, declared, "It's brutal right now, but trans people have always existed, and they will forever exist. And they will never — no matter what happens — take trans joy away. That has to be protected more than anything, because I wouldn't be here without trans girls."
Their remarks come in a time when the new Trump administration has aggressively moved to attack and erase transgender people on a federal level. Since declaring a "two genders" policy on inauguration day, the president has issued executive orders targeting trans people in schools, health care, the military, and beyond.
Additionally, Gaga provided some much-needed joy to LGBTQ+ fans by debuting a surprise new music video, "Abracadabra," during the Grammys commercial break — a feat that had social media heralding the return of Mother Monster.
Roan, winning Best New Artist, also used her awards speech for good, calling on the music industry to offer "a livable wage" and health care to its artists — particularly to up-and-coming stars like she once was.