In a warm and wide-ranging conversation, actor and producer Jonathan Bennett reflected on his personal journey, his evolving career, and the joy of hosting the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
Reconnecting after nearly a decade, Bennett laughed about how much life had changed since their last conversation, which dated back to his early television roles, including Hit the Floor. At the time, conversations about his personal life were off-limits. Today, Bennett speaks openly about coming out, finding love with his husband Jaymes Vaughn, and building a life rooted in authenticity. That openness, he noted, has shaped both his personal happiness and the kinds of creative projects he chooses.
One such project was his role as “gay Jesus” in Wes Hurley’s indie film Potato Dreams of America (filmed in Seattle). Bennett recalled the moment on set when the realization hit him. “If I’m technically playing him, then I’m gay Jesus,” he joked, describing the role as both outrageous and meaningful. It’s a reflection of the kind of bold, unapologetic storytelling that has become increasingly visible—and celebrated—in recent years.
That same celebratory spirit defined the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, held March 5th at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues, recognizing recipients across more than 30 categories this year. The ceremony will reach an even broader audience when it premieres on Hulu beginning Saturday, March 21st, marking the sixth consecutive year the platform has served as the official streaming destination and continued its strong support of LGBTQ storytellers.
For Bennett, hosting the ceremony was both an honor and an opportunity to do something different. “I told them I wanted to do it my way,” he said. Rather than a traditional host, Bennett embraced the role as a superfan, celebrating the shows and creators he genuinely admires. Throughout the night, he paid tribute with elaborate costume changes inspired by nominated projects, from The Traitors to RuPaul’s Drag Race, even donning full hockey gear in homage to Heated Rivalry. The result was a lively, camp-filled evening that matched the vibrancy of the community it celebrated.
One of the most unforgettable moments came when EGOT-winning icon Liza Minnelli made a surprise appearance to receive GLAAD’s inaugural Liza Minnelli Storyteller Award, presented in honor of her upcoming memoir Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!. Bennett was tasked with bringing her birthday cake onstage as the audience sang to her. “I’ve peaked,” he said, laughing. “Carrying Liza Minnelli’s birthday cake? That’s it for me.”
The evening also spotlighted major talent across the industry. Quinta Brunson received the Vanguard Award, while Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers were honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. Performances by Demi Lovato and pop artist Eli energized the crowd, and winners included casts and creators from Heated Rivalry, The Traitors, Palm Royale, Stranger Things, Southern Hospitality, and MSNBC’s The Weekend with Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels, along with podcast hosts from I’ve Had It and Handsome.
Beyond the glamour, Bennett emphasized the deeper importance of the event. “We need to celebrate the work we’ve done,” he said, acknowledging the challenges currently facing the LGBTQ community. Taking a moment to reflect on progress, he added, helps fuel the fight ahead.
When asked what “queer” means to him, Bennett didn’t hesitate: “Being unapologetically yourself.”
Watch Jonathan host the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, streaming on Hulu starting on Saturday, March 21st
