Demi Lovato invited Danica Roem, the first openly transgender person seated in a state legislature, to walk the American Music Awards red carpet with her to speak out against bullying at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Lovato and Roem were brought together as part of GLAAD’s Together initiative, a campaign for all marginalized communities to stand together.
“We contacted because I heard her story. She’s the first out and seated transgender state legislator in American history,” Lovato told E! on the red carpet. “When I heard that, I was just completely inspired by it. My story with ‘Sorry Not Sorry’ is all about bullying and I wanted to have her in the audience with me tonight because I feel like we’ve been through some of the same things and now we get to share this experience together.”
Roem defeated her Republican opponent Bob Marshall for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. When asked about her upcoming inauguration, Roem confessed it is “overwhelming.”
“It’s really overwhelming, and I’m also really grateful that Demi has spent her career advocating for people who need a voice when they feel voiceless,” Roem says.
Lovato sang her hit single “Sorry Not Sorry” during the AMAs kicking off the performance seated in the audience next to Roem.
Momma. You were INCREDIBLY AMAZING!!! You totally NAILED IT! I love you with all my heart!!! ♥️@ddlovato #DEMixAMAs pic.twitter.com/DY1vfMjg96
— Jan Doblado (@jandoblado) November 20, 2017
Roem showed her appreciation for Lovato’s anti-bullying stance, and for being invited to the star-studded AMAs, on Twitter.
“I’ll always stand for inclusion & against bullying. Demi Lovato’s performance tonight made it clear that’s where she stands too. Thank you for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity @ddlovato.
PWC folks: I’ll be back bright & early Monday to talk education policy. See you soon! #NoH8,” Roem tweeted.
I’ll always stand for inclusion & against bullying. Demi Lovato’s performance tonight made it clear that’s where she stands too. Thank you for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity @ddlovato.
PWC folks: I’ll be back bright & early Monday to talk education policy. See you soon! #NoH8 https://t.co/6BJzz5xhNp— Danica Roem (@pwcdanica) November 20, 2017
Lovato also gave Roem a shout-out on Instagram posting a picture of the pair on the red carpet.
“Such an honor to have Danica Roem who will be the first out and seated transgender state legislator in U.S. history by my side tonight at the AMAs. Danica put up with a lot of hate and bullshit by people who said she couldn’t win but she did. Her story is so inspiring and I was so proud to have her next to me before the performance for #sorrynotsorry which is an unapologetic anthem to all haters out there. Danica, you are an inspiration to so many and I can’t wait see all the amazing things you do,” Lovato wrote.
