Patti LaBelle Honored with the LUV Award at Philly Pride

Earlier this month, two-time Grammy Award-winning entertainer and “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle joined Pride Month celebrations in her hometown of Philadelphia, taking part in the city’s annual Pride March and festival.

Dressed in a black gown and sporting bright blue acrylic nails, LaBelle accepted the LUV Award at Pride on the Parkway’s Main Stage and was also honored with a musical tribute featuring several local performers.

While at the event, LaBelle was interviewed by Philly Black Pride President Jacen Bowman, who asked, “For years, gay people have always loved you. Why do you think that is?”

LaBelle jokingly responded, saying that her reputation as one of the “original drag queens” might help explain the LGBTQ+ community’s continued admiration. She added, “I don’t really know, but I’m so honored, and I’ve never, ever felt that the LGBTQ+ community has questioned Patti LaBelle and her love for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Bowman then asked if LaBelle had any advice for the LGBTQ+ community, to which she responded, “That they never give up, never give up, never think less of yourself, because you are the tops.”

Girly Anderson, a consultant for Philly Pride 365, said honoring LaBelle during this year’s celebration carried special significance.

“Patti LaBelle’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community extends far beyond music,” Anderson said.

Anderson described LaBelle as a cultural icon and longtime ally, adding that she is “one of the original drag muvas whose influence can be seen across generations of performers and entertainers.”

“Recognizing her was our way of celebrating not only her legendary career, but also the joy, confidence and inspiration she has brought to our community for decades,” Anderson said. “Having her be part of this year’s Pride celebration was truly an honor.”

Following her appearance, LaBelle shared a photo from the event on Instagram, accompanied by her rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” In the post, she expressed gratitude to @PhillyPride365 for honoring her with the LUV Award and thanked her friend @Carol_Riddick for the musical tribute. She concluded the message by wishing everyone a happy Pride Month.

Patti the Ally

LaBelle receiving praise from the LGBTQ+ community should not come as a surprise. Over the course of her nearly 70-year career, she has consistently been an ally and advocate for the community.

In 1987, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, LaBelle became a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross National Minority AIDS Council campaign, “Live Long, Sugar.” Her advocacy, which stretched across performances and advertisements, helped make LaBelle one of the earliest high-profile Black entertainers to use her platform to combat the AIDS epidemic by encouraging people of color to seek HIV testing, education, and early medical treatment.

At the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2007, LaBelle received the Excellence in Media Award from Jennifer Hudson. While onstage, she thanked the audience and the LGBTQ+ community for their support throughout her 45-year career and reflected on her strong connection with the community.

“The fact that I am still in your eyes as a shining star makes me feel very special,” LaBelle said.

She continued by addressing society’s views on same-sex relationships, saying they should be accepted without prejudice.

“I don’t know why people discriminate against you. I don’t know why people can’t see you marrying man on man, woman on woman. It should be accepted by the world.”

She closed with, “I love you. Thank you.”

More recently, in 2022, LaBelle appeared on “The Clay Cane Show” to defend Lil Nas X following controversy over his 2021 BET Awards performance, during which he kissed a male dancer onstage.

“Sometimes it’s not bad to be yourself. It’s always good to be yourself and let the chips fall, you know. But don’t be afraid and stay in the closet for the rest of your life,” LaBelle said.

She continued, saying, “It was what he wanted to do. Does that make him a bad person? No, he did himself. I said, ‘Keep on doing you.’”