Kim Petras Is First Openly Transgender Woman to Win Grammy for Best Pop Duo

In a history-making moment at the 2023 Grammy Awards, Kim Petras became the first openly transgender woman to win the accolade for Best Pop Duo. The artist took home the win with Sam Smith for “Unholy,” a track that’s dominated the airwaves since its release in September 2022.

When the pair took the stage together on Sunday night, Sam turned the mic over to Kim for the acceptance speech. “Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award,” she said to a crowd of rapturous applause.

“I just want to thank all of the incredible transgender legends before me, who kicked these doors open for me so I could be here tonight,” Kim continued. She specifically acknowledged her friend and musician SOPHIE for her motivation and encouragement.

“SOPHIE especially, my friend who passed away two years ago, who told me this would happen and always believed in me,” Kim shared. “Thank you so much for your inspiration, SOPHIE. I adore you and your inspiration will forever be in my music.”

The musician continued to dedicate the award to Madonna, “for fighting for LGBTQ+ rights,” and her mother for her unwavering support. She concluded the speech with a sweet thank you to her co-collaborator. “Sam, thank you. You are a true angel and hero in my life, and I love you,” she expressed.

During a post-ceremony interview with the Recording Academy, Kim reflected on the momentous win. “I just hope that it inspires kids at home that might not fit in where they are, and to follow their dreams,” she said.

“For a lot of years in the beginning of my career, ‘trans pop star’ was always before ‘singer,’ before anything, and I just really feel like all of the hard work that I put into my talent and who I am on the inside and not just my gender category, or the labels that are put on me, but the actual music that I work on and my talent has been rewarded today and that feels really, really special,” Kim continued. “I love the transgender community, and this one’s for the dolls.”

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