Sophia Bush (Not Married, Contrary to Rumors!) Fights for Equality at the GLAAD Media Awards

Sophia Bush, who publicly came out as queer in 2024, proudly attended the 36th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Beverly Hills on Thursday evening—her first time at the star-studded celebration. For the occasion, the One Tree Hill alum wore a breathtaking Jean Pierre Khoury gown featuring an intricately embroidered bodice and sleek floor-length skirt. The elegant red ensemble, she noted, was also a tribute to her uncle Winston, a drag queen.

“For years when I was a kid, he did drag in LA as Diana Ross, always in red sequins. So my dress for tonight is a bit of an homage,” Bush told Vogue on the red carpet. “I just really wanted a moment. This felt appropriate for GLAAD.”

Each year, GLAAD—the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization—honors fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of the LGBTQ community across film, television, music, podcasts, and beyond. This year’s electric ceremony, hosted by actor Michael Urie, honored the cast of Hacks (Outstanding Comedy Series), Agatha All Along (Best New Series), Baby Reindeer (Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series), and RuPaul’s Drag Race (Outstanding Reality Program).

Bush took to the stage to introduce GLAAD’s president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, who reminded the crowd of the cultural power of storytelling: “Stories about the LGBTQ community shift culture and give people power to see beyond their own experience—to open their minds to those they’ve never met.”

Nearly a year since Bush publicly came out and confirmed her relationship with retired U.S. Women’s National Team soccer star Ashlyn Harris, she reflected on the decision. Did she worry it might jeopardize her career?

“No, I wasn’t afraid,” Bush shared. “The odd thing about a job like mine is you try so hard to keep something private for yourself. But when the thing you most want to protect is also deeply important to your identity—and can foster solidarity for your community—it becomes important to share. There’s a constant push and pull in living a public life. But for me, I have never been more proud of who I am, where I am, and who I love. So it felt like a no-brainer coming out. I really hope the more of us that show up in rooms like this, the more we can support young people to be exactly who they are.”

Still, Bush has found herself in the headlines. Last month, she was spotted wearing a ring on her wedding finger, prompting online speculation that she and Harris had secretly married. “No, I’m not married,” Bush said with a laugh. “I don’t know where the rumors come from, but I guess if the rumor mill is going to focus on something positive and joyous—rather than something hideous—then okay.”

As for the ring? “All my jewelry is borrowed,” she added. “I wear rings on the fingers they fit.”

Bush was joined by a dazzling array of LGBTQ icons and allies at the Beverly Hilton: Patti LuPone, Lil Nas X, Hannah Einbinder, Joshua Jackson, White Lotus star Natasha Rothwell, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’s Cooper Koch, The Traitors’ Dylan Efron, Heartstopper’s Joe Locke, former Queer Eye star Bobby Berk, and rapper Doechii—who took home the award for Outstanding Music Artist.

The evening’s top honor went to Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, who was recognized for her work raising visibility and promoting acceptance of the LGBTQ community. In her powerful acceptance of the Stephen F. Kolzak Award—named for the late casting director and activist—Erivo addressed the current political climate, including President Trump’s recent executive actions targeting transgender rights.

“We use the phrase ‘out and proud,’” Erivo said. “And though you might not yet have had the strength or capacity to do that, know that I am proud of your quiet and your solitary. We all want to be visible. I see you. Think of those who sit in the dark and wait for their time, hoping and waiting for a light to guide their path. I ask every single one of you in this room—with the spaces that you’re in and the lights that you hold—to point it toward someone who just needs a little guidance.”

In a night that blended glamour, heart, and purpose, the GLAAD Media Awards offered more than just celebration—it served as a rallying call for inclusion, and a moving reminder that love and visibility remain radical acts.