Mariah Carey honoured as an LGBT ally at gay media awards

Mariah Carey redefined what LGBTQ stands for in her acceptance speech. Photo / Greg Bowker

Mariah Carey has been honoured at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation media awards, which celebrate the inclusive representations of LGBT+ people in the media.

Carey received the Ally Award for her longtime efforts to support and advance LGBT+ equality.

Her fiance, James Packer, joined her on the red carpet and Lee Daniels, who directed Carey in his film Precious, presented her with the award on stage.

"Mariah is one of us," Daniels told the audience. "I know many celebrities that pretend to be one of us. This bitch is one of us - to the marrow, bone."

Accepting the award, Carey thanked GLAAD for the honour and admitted she was worried she would have to learn "a whole new alphabet" to make sure everyone was included, referring to the ever-changing acronyms around the LGBT+ community.

"And then I decided that if I have to memorise it, I might as well elaborate on it," she said.

She went on to redefine LGBTQ, which usually stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, to instead stand for legendary, gorgeous, beautiful, tantalising, and quality.

"I just want to say to everybody in the room, I know everybody wants to keep it moving, thank you for the unconditional love, 'cause it's very difficult to me to have that. I haven't experienced much of it," said Carey.

"So I thank you. I thank you and I wish all of you love, peace, harmony."