Kelly Ripa's GLAAD Awards Speech Is Inspirational

Kelly Ripa has continually proved herself to be one of the funniest, coolest people New York City has to offer. During the 26th GLAAD Media Awards on May 9, the "Live With Kelly and Michael" cohost added the title of "one of my favorite people of all time" to her repertoire with the poignant speech she delivered after being honored with the Excellence in Media Award. A true master of comedy, Ripa deftly infused her speech with witty bits without straying from the message of the importance of GLAAD's continued dedication to "treating people like people." Throughout her empowering speech, Ripa paid accolades to friend and CNN news anchor, Anderson Cooper, for being "a voice for so many voiceless people throughout society."

One of the most impassioned moments of Ripa's speech came when she spoke of the pervasive effects discrimination has not only on members of the LGBT community, but on all of society. "We must not allow discrimination to be rebranded and used against other facets of society,including housing, employment, and education." This and several other moments within Ripa's speech were met with rousing applause, and understandably so! Ripa was most assuredly on point from start to finish. Check out the phenomenal speech below in its entirety:

Inspiring speeches and moments of excellence are old hat for GLAAD. The organization has been one of many organizations at the helm of change and the fight for human rights since being established in 1985. Let's take a look at some of the most iconic celebrity speeches during the GLAAD Media Awards.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox has been at the forefront of progress in the LGBT community by challenging dialogue, and "making sure the 'T' is not silent in LGBT." Cox's honor at the 2014 GLAAD Media Awards was more than well-deserved.

Kerry Washington

“On Monday morning, people are gonna click a link to hear what that woman from ‘Scandal’ said at that award show...so I think some stuff needs to be said,” Washington began in her speech. That “stuff” included an impassioned call to action for those turning a “blind eye” to the oppression of others, and the consequences of fear, hate and judgment.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon's stirring, touching speech where she called members of the LGBT community "moral leaders" was truly inspirational. She also stated, "I've been straight and I've been gay, and gay is better," and went on to elaborate that being true to herself and identity had made her better able to fulfill the various roles in her life, being "a better parent, a better partner, a better citizen."

Ellen DeGeneres

It has almost been two decades since Ellen DeGeneres came out as a gay woman, and she has since been at the forefront of equal rights. "Every single being should have the same right, whatever your choice is," she stated during this speech. She also made note of the dangers of bullying due to homophobia, offering a resolute "this has got to stop."

Ricky Martin

After hiding his sexuality for years, Ricky Martin came out as homosexual in 2010. He offered a truly moving speech at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2010, stating: "I just want to be free. I can say, today, I'm free."