Jussie Smollett presents HRC Visibility Award to Queer Eye's Karamo Brown

Wed. May 9, 2018 12:46 PM by OnTopMag.com

Out actor-singer Jussie Smollett (Empire) presented the HRC Visibility Award to Queer Eye's culture guy Karamo Brown at the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 21st annual HRC Houston Gala on Saturday.

Netflix premiered its "reimagined" Queer Eye in February and in March announced that the Fab Five would return for a second season.

In introducing Brown, Smollett said that Brown has "always, always, always kept it real."

Related: Jussie Smollett among headliners for 2018 Milwaukee Pride Fest, June 8 - 10

In accepting his award, Brown talked about his severed relationship with his father.

"My father isn't here with us today because unfortunately he has never been able to reconcile having a son that is openly gay and proud," Brown said. "He has never been able to see me for the man I am, but instead allowed the destructive construct of a religion to shatter our relationship."

Brown also shared what being open and visible means to him.

"It's up to every one of us in this room to work diligently to create an inclusive culture in our school, in our churches, in corporate America, where LGBTQI people of every walk of life feel seen and feel valued. It is up to every one of us in this room to share the difficult parts of our journey that led us to the triumphant moments in our lives, so that others can understand there is success and happiness beyond one difficult moment," Brown said.


Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine

 

MORE CONTENT AFTER THESE SPONSORS