Jennifer Lawrence Playfully Mocks Mike Pence at GLAAD Media Awards: “Conversion Therapy Isn’t a Thing”

kathmandu | Jennifer Lawrence brought her signature humor and sharp wit to the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards held at the Midtown Hilton Hotel in New York City on May 11, 2024. She appeared to support her friend Orville Peck, who was being honored with the Vito Russo Award, and used the opportunity to make a playful dig at former Vice President Mike Pence while expressing her admiration for the LGBTQ+ community.

The LGBTQ+ community has criticized Pence for his opposition to queer rights during his tenure in Congress and as governor of Indiana. Pence has previously argued that homosexuality is a choice and has been linked to supporting conversion therapy on his 2000 campaign website. Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a discredited practice aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

During her speech at the GLAAD Media Awards, Jennifer Lawrence humorously criticized Mike Pence for his stance on conversion therapy.

After taking the stage, Lawrence quipped, “I love seeing so many talented individuals who can excel in their fields while also being authentic to themselves,” jokingly referring to individuals who can “top their field while still being power bottoms.”

Lawrence then shared a personal anecdote about falling for a gay man and realizing that conversion therapy is ineffective.

Addressing Pence directly, Lawrence exclaimed, “Did you hear that, Mike Pence? Conversion therapy is a sham, despite what you might believe.”

Meanwhile, after receiving the award from Jennifer Lawrence, singer-songwriter Orville Peck discussed his experiences in a genre that hasn’t always embraced the LGBTQ+ community. He acknowledged feeling excluded or limited due to his identity but highlighted the community’s resilience in overcoming challenges.