Music

MTV VMAs 2022: Here’s a round-up of the night’s best LGBTQ+ moments

By Jordan Robledo

29th August 2022

The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards was filled with an array of unforgettable LGBTQ+ moments. 

For this year’s festivities, LL Cool J, Jack Harlow and Nicki Minaj hosted the beloved ceremony – which featured appearances from Fergie, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, BLACKPINK, Lizzo and more. 

Alongside the show’s star-studded roster, the evening featured a plethora of LGBTQ+ winners and moments.

Dove Cameron, who released her sapphic anthem Boyfriend earlier this year, took home the coveted Best New Artist Award. 

“Wow. Thank you so much. I’m so floored, I’m so moved. This is so wild to be up here with so many artists that I worship, these are some of my all-time favourite artists up here,” she said during her acceptance speech. 

“This year has been so wild, and I have no explanation for it except that I have you guys to thank. I know that. I want to dedicate this to all of the queer kids out there who don’t feel that they can take up space and inhabit the fullness of who they are.” 

Before introducing Panic! At the Disco, Bros star Billy Eichner slammed homophobes and US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

“We need to show all the homophobes like Clarence Thomas and all the homophobes on the Supreme Court that we want gay love stories,” he exclaimed. 

“And we support LGBTQ+ people. And we are not letting them drag us back into the last century because they are in the past, and Bros is the future. Are you with me, VMAs?” 

GAY TIMES cover star Anitta made history as the first Brazilian artist to win and perform at the longstanding award show. 

After delivering sickening live renditions of her singles Vai Malandra and Evolver, Anitta reflected on her incredible music journey while accepting the award for Best Latin Video. 

“For whoever doesn’t know this, tonight it’s history, it’s the first time of Brazil here,” she said. 

“Tonight, I performed a rhythm that for many years in my country was considered a crime. For whoever was born there… we never would think this was possible.” 

Måneskin, who won the Best Alternative award, put on a campy performance of their latest single, Supermodel – which featured lead singer Damiano David in assless chaps and bassist Victoria De Angelis in nipple pasties. 

Lil Nas X also added another moon man to his collection when he took home Best Collaboration for his hit track Industry Baby with Jack Harlow. 

During Bad Bunny’s performance of Tití Me Preguntó, which was filmed remotely at Yankee Stadium, the beloved Latin artist kissed one of his male dancers – which earned massive praise from his fans. 

One fan wrote: “Anitta shook her ass and Bad Bunny kissed a man. bisexuals, we won again.”

Finally, Nicki Minaj and Harry Styles ended the night on a high note after they were awarded the Video Vanguard Award and Album of The Year award, respectively. 

Check out more VMA moments below.