The MTV Video Music Awards are practically synonymous with “a good time,” and this year’s show did not disappoint. From Taylor Swift’s Equality Act shout-out to gay country-rapper Lil Nas X’s Song of the Year win, the 2019 VMAs were jam-packed with queer moments.
Below, 18 of the gayest wins, performances, and looks from the 2019 MTV VMAs, in no particular order.
For a full list of this year’s winners, head over to MTV.
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Taylor Swift and Todrick Hall’s “You Need to Calm Down” music video reunion onstage
Bennett Raglin/WireImageThe 2019 Video of the Year was chock-full of queer Easter eggs.
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Speaking of Taylor, that “You Need to Calm Down” x “Lover” performance…
Kevin Mazur/WireImageHear that? That’s the sound of Swifties everywhere losing their minds.
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…complete with a shout-out to GLAAD
Why are you mad?
When you could be GLAAD?
Congrats @taylorswift13!!!! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/mOQLUpgQVI
— GLAAD (@glaad) August 27, 2019
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And: T-Swift using her acceptance speech to promote the LGBTQ Equality Act!
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!The Equality Act is an essential piece of legislation that we need.
Join the fight for the #EqualityAct: https://t.co/al8xJ7Gkxj#VMAs #VMAs2019pic.twitter.com/VJbuexQwmH
— National Center for Transgender Equality (@TransEquality) August 27, 2019
Thank you @taylorswift13 for using your #VMAs Video of the Year win to bring attention to the #EqualityAct.
You can sign the petition here. https://t.co/v11HYLlDLt
— GLAAD (@glaad) August 27, 2019
We have to stan.
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Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness taking the stage to present an award
"It's 2019, and not caring is NOT cute!"
PREACH IT, @jvn! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/GxuNZ8LEhE
— MTV (@MTV) August 27, 2019
And slaying with that outfit.
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“Truth Hurts” queen Lizzo with that tea…
GIPHY -
…and a VMAs performance to remember
GIPHYWe’d expect nothing less from this superstar LGBTQ ally.
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Marc Jacobs taking home the VMAs’ first-ever Fashion Trailblazer Award
Dimitrios Kambouris/VMN19/Getty Images for MTV -
Panic! at the Disco scoring Best Rock for “High Hopes”
BEST ROCK GOES TO @PanicAtTheDisco #VMAs pic.twitter.com/9niJ8KpkZo
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) August 27, 2019
Another day, another win for this fan-favorite band—and its pansexual frontman Brendon Urie.
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OG Missy Elliott dancer Alyson Stoner joining the legend for her Video Vanguard Award performance
— Alyson Stoner (@AlysonStoner) August 27, 2019
— Alyson Stoner (@AlysonStoner) August 27, 2019
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That’s right: Missy Elliott took home this year’s Video Vanguard Award!
2019 VIDEO VANGUARD @MissyElliott #VMAs pic.twitter.com/vC3j9K0bA0
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) August 27, 2019
She’s always been a music industry legend in our eyes.
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Miley’s epic black-and-white “Slide Away” performance
GIPHYThe bisexual singer-songwriter served us some seriously sultry vibes.
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Three players from the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team presenting an award
The ladies of the #USWNT: *exist*
literally anyone with a pulse:#VMAs pic.twitter.com/Yfm8GpVZWs
— Logo ️ (@LogoTV) August 27, 2019
World champions only!
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That epic rap finale featuring Queen Latifah
This music industry queen is taking back her throne #QueenLatifah #VMAs pic.twitter.com/4XALNks3pr
— Logo ️ (@LogoTV) August 27, 2019
The NJ KINGS AND QUEENS of hip-hop are about to tear up the #VMAs stage!!
— MTV (@MTV) August 27, 2019
These iconic rappers made New Jersey proud.
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Literally any moment Lil Nas X, Queer Icon™, was onstage
John Shearer/Getty ImagesTHESE VISUALS! THESE MOVES!! @LilNasX #VMAs pic.twitter.com/aARsE0UTZ8
— MTV (@MTV) August 27, 2019
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Oh—did we mention that a black gay man took home two major VMAs, including Song of the Year for “Old Town Road”?
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for MTVYep. After shattering Billboard Hot 100 records, he also did that.
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In case you’re still on the fence about Lil Nas X, check out this photo
Kevin Mazur/WireImageThe sheer power of this duo! The world is not ready.
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And finally: John Travolta almost giving Jade Jolie Taylor Swift’s VMA
Me when they almost handed @QueenJadeJolie the VMA award pic.twitter.com/3CvO5MXWLq
— Shanelle No. 1 (@iiShanelleii) August 27, 2019
Hands down, the gaffe of the night.