Donatella Versace, the renowned fashion designer and vice president of the Versace Group, has been honored with the prestigious Game Changer Award at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards in Los Angeles. The award recognizes Versace’s unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community in the fashion industry.
Versace’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights is evident through her role as an ambassador for the Stonewall organization, which advocates for equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. She has also been a longtime supporter of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising funds for HIV/AIDS research and prevention.
In addition to these notable contributions, Versace serves as the co-chair for the Rocket Found campaign, a foundation that aims to eradicate AIDS by 2030 through the collection of 125 million dollars. Her dedication to this cause is commendable and speaks volumes about her commitment to making a positive impact on society.
During the award ceremony, Versace expressed her gratitude to Livia Firth and the Green Carpet community for recognizing her as a Change Maker. She emphasized the importance of embracing change, even during challenging times. Versace shared her personal experience of how her life changed after the tragic loss of her brother, Gianni Versace. Through that loss, she underwent significant personal growth, which ultimately led her to join the LGBTQ+ movement.
Versace spoke passionately about her newfound family within the LGBTQ+ community. She has learned valuable lessons from queer and transgender leaders and activists and has witnessed love stories that have defied societal norms and boundaries. She has also used her platform to address issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Italy, where same-sex couples are prohibited from adopting children. Similar restrictions exist in Ghana, where supporting the LGBTQ+ community is considered a crime. Unfortunately, Versace highlights that the United States is also facing a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, with over 400 laws enacted that disproportionately affect the transgender community.
The fashion icon drew attention to the devastating consequences of such discrimination by recounting the tragic case of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old boy from Oklahoma who lost his life after enduring relentless bullying. Despite reaching out to authorities and teachers for help, no action was taken to protect him. Versace firmly believes that any attack on the LGBTQ+ community is an attack on her chosen family.
Donatella Versace’s recognition as a Game Changer in the fashion industry is well-deserved. Her tireless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her support for organizations dedicated to HIV/AIDS research and prevention have made a significant impact. She serves as an inspiration to designers and individuals alike, reminding us all of the importance of acceptance, inclusivity, and the power of using one’s influence for positive change.