On Wednesday night, GLAAD (formerly known as Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) hosted its 4th annual #GLAADHonors event to highlight prominent Black and Brown LGBTQ+ movers and shakers across the fields of entertainment, literature, advocacy, and journalism. It came one day ahead of the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, the main capstone event, which will be available to stream exclusively on Hulu on April 12.
#GLAADHonors was held at the legendary Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. The event was hosted by award-winning journalist and current president of the National Association of Black Journalists: LA Chapter (NABJLA), Shar Jossell, and “Access Hollywood” co-anchor Scott Evans. The star-studded red carpet included appearances by celebrities such as Amber Riley, Jessica Betts, TS Madison, Isis King, Brian Michael Smith, Yahne Coleman, Nicco Annan, Okema Moore, Hope Giselle, Rhonda Morman, Malika Blessing, and more.
Emmy Award-nominated journalist Scott Evans has been a steadfast figure in the media. He began his on-air career on “Channel One News,” a national CBS news broadcast, and currently is a co-anchor on “Access Hollywood.” He also hosts a YouTube show called “House Guest,” in which he has recently interviewed stars such as Muni Long, Tika Sumpter, and Meagan Good. Evans took to the carpet and said, “To be able to do this tonight with Shar Jossell, I am so excited because this gathering is more sacred than ever!”
‘Hostess with the mostest,’ Shar Josssell is no stranger to the red carpet or stage, as she kept the festivities lively. A woman of many hats, Jossell has been a part of LA’s journalist scene for over a decade, co-moderating the 2022 mayoral debate of then Congresswoman Karen Bass and Rick Caruso. She has also written for publications such as Variety and Essence. Jossell reflected on co-hosting with Evans as they’ve covered various red carpets together throughout their careers as fellow journalists.
“This is one of my favorite events, whether it’s in L.A. or New York, and I’m even more excited to host with Scott tonight. He is a longtime ‘red-carpet’ friend.” Jossell was also recognized by GLAAD’s Black History highlight in February titled “Black HERstory: 5 Black Queer Womxn Community Leaders.” On the red carpet, she gushed with joy and appreciation about the recognition. “It’s an honor! It has been a journey living in LA for 11 years, so to be listed alongside the titans on that list, it’s a ‘pinch me’ moment!” Jossell also stressed the importance of community advocacy.
Once inside, Jossell and Evans shared a toast of Hornitos Tequila on stage to commemorate the evening’s events.
Social media influencer, actress, and the first Black transgender woman to executive produce and star in her own reality show, TS Madison, reflected on being embraced by the LGBTQ community. “I feel great being amongst people that look like me, smell like me, and sound like me. I’m always honored to be received by the press and the media… you’d never think that you’d get to a day where your community will say, “Thank you for existing.’”
America’s Next Top Model alum and actress of Amazon Prime’s “With Love,” Isis King discussed how transgender roles in film and television have declined, which further illustrates the importance of events such as #GLAADHonors. “Trans representation has diminished. We are in a really interesting time right now; for whatever reason, we are the scapegoats and the ones to be picked on.” She added, “Queer and Black shows have been given the axe… all we can do is keep persevering.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: (L-R) Actor Wilson Cruz, Sarah Kate Ellis, President of GLAAD and actress Isis King attend 2025 #GLAAD Honors at The Fonda Theatre on March 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for GLAAD)
Actress, internet personality, and reality star Yahne Coleman also hit the red carpet. She has a multifaceted career in digital and traditional media and has maneuvered into becoming an all-around business woman. She is known for her viral humorous social media videos on TikTok with the slogan “face card never declines.”
Coleman is also a contestant on Hulu’s “Got to Get Out,” which follows various reality stars such as Omarosa, Cynthia Bailey, and Kim Zolciak and premieres April 11. Coleman said that authenticity is important to her for how she represents herself in the media. “Representation is very important, especially as a Black woman in social media and television. I know there is someone who may be younger, my age, or older who is inspired by what I’m doing.” She emphasized the importance of one using their influence to guide people in the right direction.
Brian Michael Smith, an actor who is known for his roles on shows such as 9-1-1: Lone Star, Queen Sugar, and The L Word: Generation Q, also arrived on the scene. He recently celebrated the premiere of his independent short film, “Deep Dish Dimples,” a month ago. Smith became the first openly trans male to play a series regular role in television through 9-1-1: Lone Star, which was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series.
”One of the reasons why I wanted to bring trans stories into the mainstream is for people to recognize how much our experiences can inform theirs.” He added. “We have a lot to offer from our life experiences, and that’s the beautiful thing about art and representation. It’s important for people to see the full breadth of our humanity.”
An event in which everyone wore their best dressed cocktail-themed attire, the atmosphere felt like a family reunion for various stars on the red carpet. Hornitos Tequila Brand and Hyundai Motor America sponsored the evening.
President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis gave a keynote speech as guests admired. GLAAD’s Senior Director of Communities of Color DaShawn Usher and Associate Director, Communities of Color & Media, Julian Walker, acknowledged Black and Brown LGBTQ creators, storytellers, journalists, and thought leaders from the entertainment industry.
As guests made their way inside, R&B singer JeRonelle and drag superstar Luxx Noir London performed, keeping everyone on their feet. Singer and partner of actress Niecy Nash, Jessica Betts, rocked the night with an electrifying musical performance to close.
