Kim Petras made history at Sunday’s Grammy Awards when she became the first openly transgender woman to win Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The German singer won the award on Sunday for Unholy, a collaboration with Sam Smith who became the first non-binary artist to win a Grammy, according to Rolling Stone.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Petras thanked her supporters and paid tribute to the transgender artists who paved the way for her to triumph as a trans woman.
“Oh my god, thank you very much,” Petras began his speech. “This has been an incredible journey for me…Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award as I am the first transgender woman to receive it. Being here tonight I want to thank the amazing transgender legend before me for opening the door for me to be able to.
Petras also honored the late electronic and experimental artist SOPHIE, who passed away in January 2021 at the age of 34.
“Sophie, especially my friend who passed away two years ago, always believed in me when she told me it was going to happen. Petras added, paying tribute to music legend Madonna, who has long championed LGBTQ+ rights.
“I don’t think I could be here without Madonna,” Petras continued.