For the eighth consecutive year, Delta was the presenting sponsor of the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles. The event, which took place at The Beverly Hilton Hotel is GLAAD’s signature event which honors media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBTQ community, while celebrating its members and advocates.

This year, GLAAD introduced a second event to coincide with the awards ceremony — The Rising Stars Grants Luncheon which recognizes participants in GLAAD’s Rising Stars Program. This initiative awards annual grants in support of the next generation of LGBTQ change makers whose local advocacy is impacting change, and promoting intersectionality within global society.

“We are thrilled to be supporting the GLAAD Media Awards and the inaugural Rising Stars Grants Luncheon,” said Ranjan Goswami, V.P. Sales — West. “GLAAD’s mission coincides with Delta’s commitment to diversity and inclusion both internally at Delta and in the communities we serve, and we are proud to support the integral work that GLAAD dedicates to advocating and supporting the LGBTQ community.”

The star-studded Media Awards featured performances from Tony award winner Cynthia Erivo, with red carpet appearances by Grammy award winner Mary J. Blige, Academy Award winner Patricia Arquette, Caitlyn Jenner, Patrick Starr, and Jeffrey Tambor amongst others. Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, accepted the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film — Wide Release for “Moonlight” at the event.

Delta’s support of GLAAD aligns with its goal to “promote an inclusive mindset” under the People pillar of the 2017 Flight Plan.  

Delta also supports dozens of organizations and events that are vital to the fabric of Los Angeles, including serving as the official airline of the L.A. Lakers, L.A. Kings, and L.A. Pride. These sponsorships help sustain the strong momentum Delta has generated in L.A. over the last several years, where Delta has been the fastest-growing carrier at Los Angeles International Airport since 2009. Later this year, Delta will move its operations at LAX in its first step towards a $1.9 billion plan to modernize, upgrade, and securely connect Terminals 2 and 3.  This move is the latest in a $1.9 billion plan — one of the city's largest such investments.

Delta will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the GLAAD Media Awards in New York on May 6.

Pictured L-R: Producer Jeremy Kleiner, screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney, singer Mary J. Blige, GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis and actor Trevante Rhodes pose with the Outstanding Film — Wide Release award for “Moonlight” during the 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in LA at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 1.