Lady Gaga made waves at the 2025 Grammy Awards with a heartfelt and politically charged acceptance speech that many interpreted as a critique of President Donald Trump. Accepting the award for Best Pop Duo or Group Performance with Bruno Mars for their song “Die With a Smile,” Gaga seized the moment to advocate for the trans and LGBTQ+ communities.
“Trans people are not invisible,” she told the audience. “Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love.” Her words were met with enthusiastic applause and quickly went viral, sparking conversations about the impact of Trump’s recent executive order. The order, which limits gender recognition to male and female, has been widely criticized by activists and allies alike.
Lady Gaga: "Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love, the queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love. Thank you." #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/aoAOZ1njAl
— Variety (@Variety) February 3, 2025
Gaga has consistently used her platform to champion marginalized communities, and this speech was no exception. In a recent interview, she revealed her hopes that Kamala Harris would win the election, adding that she “prayed” for Trump’s defeat. Despite the challenges posed by his presidency, Gaga remains determined to fight for equality. “We will stick together,” she said. “It’s going to be hard, but we’re up for it.”
Chappell Roan also added her voice to the conversation, speaking out on the red carpet about the resilience of the trans community. “Trans people have always existed and will forever exist,” she said. “No matter what happens, they will never take trans joy away.” Her remarks reinforced the idea that the trans community’s strength cannot be diminished, even in the face of adversity.
“It’s brutal right now, but trans people have always existed and they will forever exist. They will never take trans joy away, and that has to be protected more than anything. I’m trying my best to really stand up for you.”
— Chappell Roan’s interview for GLAAD at the #GRAMMYs. pic.twitter.com/BW1q7cAo4D
— best of chappell roan (@bestofchappell) February 3, 2025
As the first major awards show under Trump’s presidency, the 2025 Grammys highlighted the role that artists can play in resisting divisive policies. By standing up for marginalized groups, performers like Gaga and Roan are proving that music and activism go hand in hand. Their messages of love and solidarity serve as a beacon of hope in challenging times.
