Stars Talk About the Importance of Equality at the VMAs

Gendered awards are a thing of the past, and many of the celebrities at last night's Video Music Awards agree!

MTV's annual Video Music Awards took place last night at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., and while the main focus of the night was music, a lot of the celebrity attendees had a lot on their minds. (Considering the politic climate we live in, can you blame them?) 

PRIDE got the chance to speak to many stars, and we got their thoughts on MTV doing away with traditional, gendered award show categories, the recent (and discriminatory) trans military ban, and the ongoing fight for equality!

Photos by Raffy Ermac. Taylor Henderson, Wayne Sampson, and Ashley Jiang contributed to this report.

Matt Rife of MTV's 'Wild 'N Out'

"I wanted to use this platform. This is my first time at the VMAs, and I know it's a major outlet. These pictures will be everywhere. For those people who don't know me, I want to make my message clear that I think it's a terrible thing going on in our country right now with discrimination, and racism, and non-equality for all people," Rife said, explaining the message of "Equality or these hands" written on the back of his shirt. 

Jack Antonoff of Bleachers and Fun.

"I think that it's absolutely heart-breaking, and this bill is a massive step backwards and repulsive, but I also think that we just have to ban together and survive this presidency," Antonoff said about the recent news of President Trump signing his ban on transgender servicepeople in the military.

Jay Versace

Raymond Braun

"I am so proud and happy that MTV is shining a light on the discrimination against trans servicemembers, and as an ally, I wanted to show my support," said out YouTuber and activist Raymond Braun, sharing his thought on MTV and GLAAD inviting trans military servicemembers to attend the VMAs and walk the red carpet. "I think for the trans community, it is so important, it is critical for us as allies to stand up." 

"These are our heroes, and they should be treated as heroes." 

Designer August Getty

"It's something that could fly over some people's heads, because it seems like such a small detail, but it has such a strong impact," said fashion designer August Getty about MTV getting rid of gendered categories for its awards.

Singer/songwriter Lizzo

"I love that! Gender barriers are so restricting, and I think that MTV is so lit for being one of the first to break down gender constructs. It's such an antiquated thing, like the gender rules. And I'm really, really excited about the future. It's like we're finally in the future of all of that bullshit. The pink and the blue meaning one thing or the other. I'm over it," said singer/songwriter Lizzo about the VMA's new gender-neutral awards.

Transgender Servicemembers (L to R), Brynn Tannehill, Logan Ireland, and Laila Ireland

"The VMAs have always been a platform for social issues. To be able to be invited, to share our stories, to be that platform, we're super humbled and excited for this experience," said trans military servicemember Laila Ireland, who attended with fellow transgender servicemembers Logan Ireland and Brynn Tannehill. 

Josh Peck of 'Drake and Josh'

"I think it's beautiful," actor Josh Peck said of the VMA's new gender-neutral awards. "We always have to be updating the way in which we look at life, and whatever we think are gender norms or what have you. Let's just keep an open mind about all things. The only time we ever are failing is when people feel left out and not part of the community." 

Boy band Pretty Much

Vanessa Morgan of 'Riverdale'

"My character is bisexual and I love that," said actress Vanessa Morgan on her upcoming new role on The CW's popular show Riverdale. "I love being able to show both types of love. I'm so pumped that my character is gonna be the first bisexual character on Riverdale."

"It's so important for the visibility. I have so many bisexual friends...so it's so important that they're gonna be seeing my character, you know, loving both types of genders and it not be weird."

The cast of 'Heathers'

Big Freedia

"I think it's super exciting in that it's not about the gender, it's about the talent and what you have to bring to the table. I'm glad that the head people in charge realize that giving everybody the opportunity is very important," said Big Freedia, talking about MTV's genderless awards.

Laura Perlongo and Nev Schulman of 'Catfish'

Kyle Krieger

"I'm so excited to be a part of a night that would be so inclusive for everyone. It's great that we're stepping in this direction, and I'm just very proud of MTV for doing that," said Kyle Krieger when asked about MTV's gender-neutral VMA categories. "It's nice that we can make everyone feel more love and included."