All the Ways Celebrities Showed Solidarity For the LGBTQ+ Community at the MTV EMAs

German entertainer and activist Riccardo Simonetti, who is also the LGBTQ+ goodwill ambassador for the EU Parliament, wore a powerful look for the MTV EMAs red carpet. He wore the names of 12 queer people who were killed in the last year. “I hope by writing their names on my face tonight it will help to make people realise how deadly homophobia/transphobia is and how urgent the call is for a change,” he wrote on Instagram, urging followers to read about their lives and stories.

Hungarian LGBTQ+ activist Viktória Radványi won the 2021 generation change award, which aims to recognise “fearless, original young people who are tackling the world’s toughest problems through music, storytelling or digital media.” The award was presented by Drew Barrymore, who said, “I am proud to elevate these young voices; they are all bravely asking for the simple right to love who they want and to love who they are.”

“My dearest Hungarian LGBTQ siblings, this award goes to all of you,” Viktória opened her acceptance speech. “We must make our voices heard. Let’s take care of each other, let’s self-organise, and let’s get out and vote together. Please, please never accept the notion that you should tolerate violence and discrimination. Every single human being is born equal, period. Let’s show those who want to deny our rights and want to take away our freedom, that our community is strong, united, and determined,” she said.