Beyoncé‘s latest project, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, is already on track to be a smash hit at the box office — and if a recent statement by GLAAD is any indication, then the film is destined for rave critical reviews as well.
In a statement released on Friday (Dec. 1), the non-profit LGBTQ+ advocacy organization shared its thoughts on the new film following Beyoncé’s record-breaking Renaissance World Tour, praising the project for giving much-needed space for LGBTQ+ representation.
“Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé further exemplifies Beyoncé’s commitment to use her global platform to spotlight, uplift and pay tribute to the Black LGBTQ community,” said Anthony Allen Ramos, GLAAD’s vice president of communications & talent. “The Renaissance tour was deeply inspired by the LGBTQ community in ballroom culture and disco music. In the film, Beyoncé memorializes these people who were often victims of violence and lost to AIDS by spotlighting the many LGBTQ creatives of today who have influenced her, yet have previously not received the praise and recognition that they deserve.”
Throughout the new film, Beyoncé regularly shares the spotlight with queer creatives who helped make her tour possible, including collaborator and ballroom legend Kevin Jz Prodigy and backup dancers Carlos Basquiat, Honey Balenciaga, Jonte’ Moaning and Darius Hickman.
Ramos also praised Beyoncé for using her platform to highlight the story of her late uncle Johnny, to whom she dedicated her Renaissance album. Throughout the new film, Bey shares stories of her uncle, recalling how the pair used to dancing together to house music throughout her childhood.
This isn’t the first time Beyoncé has spoken up about her beloved uncle. In accepting GLAAD’s Vanguard Award for her ongoing LGBTQ+ allyship in 2019, Bey dedicated the trophy to Johnny. “He lived his truth and he was brave and unapologetic at a time when this country wasn’t as accepting,” she said at the time. “Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived. I’m hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQI rights are human rights.”
