Last night, Imagine Dragons took home the award for favorite duo or group, pop/rock at the American Music Awards. Frontman Dan Reynolds used the moment to show support for LGBTQ youth:
“This is the country that I know, which is one of powerful women. I’m talking about our women; talking about empowering our LGBTQ youth,” said Reynolds. “May we continue to progress as a nation towards one of love, of equality, no divide. There’s been way too much of that this last year so to start the night like this just feels right. Peace, love, equality for all!”
Reynolds also wore a GLAAD ampersand pin throughout the night’s festivities. The Mormon rocker has become an outspoken ally to the LGBTQ community. Earlier this year, he received the Trevor Project’s Hero Award for his advocacy efforts.
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“As a spotlight Mormon, I felt the heavy weight to speak out now and do something about it; otherwise I’d just be sitting back being an activist for bigotry,” he told Billboard.
He also founded the LOVELOUD Foundation, an organization that encourages LGBTQ acceptance in the home and community. The Imagine Dragons headlined the inaugural LoveLoud Fest, which took place August 26. The lineup also included Neon Trees, Krewella, Nicholas Petricca of Walk the Moon.
Revisit Reynolds’ inspiring speech from TrevorLIVE below.
