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Imagine Dragonswas named best rock artist at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards — and frontmanDan Reynoldsused his acceptance speech to advocate for the LGBTQ community.When Reynolds, 31, took the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, he spoke out against conversion therapy, a practice meant to change one’s sexual orientation or gender identity“I just want to take this moment to say that there are 34 States that have no laws banning conversion therapy. And on top of that, 58 percent of our LGBTQ population live in those states,” Reynolds said. “This can change, but it’s going to take all of us talking to our state legislators, pushing forward laws to protect our LGBTQ youth.”Christopher PolkHe continued, “And lastly, I just want to say: We have seen with conversion therapy that our LGBTQ youth have double the rate of depression; triple the rate of suicide after conversion therapy. It’s not working and needs to change.”Be sure to check out PEOPLE’sBillboard Music Awards coverageto get the latest news on music’s big night.Reynolds grew up Mormon in Utah. Over the years, he struggled watching gay friends in the conservative church as they battled reconciling their faith with their sexuality. And in recent years, he has becomea staunch ally of the LGBTQ community.RELATED VIDEO: Cher! Céline Dion!Nicki Minaj! Breaking Down the Best & Boldest Billboard Music Awards LooksThe Imagine Dragons rocker covered the topic in his 2018 HBO documentary,Believer.“I don’t feel a need to denounce Mormonism. I do feel a need as a Mormon to speak out against things that are hurting people,” he told theLos Angeles Timeslast year. “If the leaders of the church aren’t going to change the doctrine, then the culture needs to change. That’s the goal.”The 2019 Billboard Music Awards are broadcasting live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
Imagine Dragonswas named best rock artist at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards — and frontmanDan Reynoldsused his acceptance speech to advocate for the LGBTQ community.
When Reynolds, 31, took the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, he spoke out against conversion therapy, a practice meant to change one’s sexual orientation or gender identity
“I just want to take this moment to say that there are 34 States that have no laws banning conversion therapy. And on top of that, 58 percent of our LGBTQ population live in those states,” Reynolds said. “This can change, but it’s going to take all of us talking to our state legislators, pushing forward laws to protect our LGBTQ youth.”
Christopher Polk
He continued, “And lastly, I just want to say: We have seen with conversion therapy that our LGBTQ youth have double the rate of depression; triple the rate of suicide after conversion therapy. It’s not working and needs to change.”
Be sure to check out PEOPLE’sBillboard Music Awards coverageto get the latest news on music’s big night.
Reynolds grew up Mormon in Utah. Over the years, he struggled watching gay friends in the conservative church as they battled reconciling their faith with their sexuality. And in recent years, he has becomea staunch ally of the LGBTQ community.
RELATED VIDEO: Cher! Céline Dion!Nicki Minaj! Breaking Down the Best & Boldest Billboard Music Awards Looks
The Imagine Dragons rocker covered the topic in his 2018 HBO documentary,Believer.
“I don’t feel a need to denounce Mormonism. I do feel a need as a Mormon to speak out against things that are hurting people,” he told theLos Angeles Timeslast year. “If the leaders of the church aren’t going to change the doctrine, then the culture needs to change. That’s the goal.”
The 2019 Billboard Music Awards are broadcasting live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
source: people.com
