Them kicked off the third annual NOW Awards on Monday night at Scott Studios in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in New York City and we were on the carpet to chat with the night’s honorees.
The event was hosted by Them editor-in-chief Sarah Burke and emceed by Jes Tom. The 10 honorees of the night were singer/songwriter Reneé Rapp, actor Devery Jacobs, TikTok creator Ve’ondre Mitchell, House Representative Mauree Turner, performer Leggoh JohVera, author Lamya H, designer Benjamin Alexander Huseby, trans advocate and winner of ‘The Climb’ Cat Runner, iconic drag artist and actor Jinkx Monsoon, and a post-humous Vanguard Award to Cecelia Gentili.
The 2024 Now Award Honorees were presented by prominent LGBTQIA+ individuals including Elliot Page, Honey Balenciaga, Aliya’s Interlude, and Alma Avalle. There were also performances by Zsela, OTA, Aliyah’s Interlude, and Ve’ondre Mitchell, and a poem by Palestinian poet George Abraham.
The night was incredibly inspiring with each honoree using their platform for activism and change for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized people and communities. In Mauree Turner’s speech, they said, “I had a mom that allowed me to come out in the 2nd grade. And that’s power.”
Devery Jacobs’ acceptance speech was also a highlight of the night. They were presented the Film & TV Award by Elliot Page whose production company Pageboy Productions is bringing Jacobs’ queer cheerleading movie, Backspot, to fruition. Devery shared that she struggled to find a space in the queer community initially, but said “I refuse to feel shame for being part of this furious and resilient community. I am now unabashedly full of pride.”
Reneé Rapp was honored with the 2024 NOW Award for music. She began her acceptance speech by joking that she was straight. Then in Reneé Rapp fashion, she made the audience laugh throughout her speech. Reneé shared that she only recently felt part of the LGBTQ+ community, but is blessed to be part of it. On a more serious note, Reneé used her speech to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
“Trans, gay, lesbian, and non-binary trailblazers move culture. Queer folks of color specifically create culture,” she said. Furthermore, Rapp stated that “each and every queer life is of the utmost importance. And queer life and all life on occupied land across the board is of the utmost importance.”
We had the chance to chat with Reneé on the blue carpet before the Them’s 2024 NOW Awards began. She recently headlined Boston Calling Festival and Gov Ball among others. Check out what Reneé had to say about her plans for pride and how she prepares for a show below!
