Keke Palmer has admitted that sex and identity “always confused her”.

On Saturday (April 22), Are not the star was awarded the Vanguard Award from queer eyes‘s Karamo Brown at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s annual gala.

Honored to recognize those who have supported the LGBT+ community.

In his acceptance speech, each DiversityPalmer said she’s always been “her own person”.

“Gender and identity have always been confusing for me. You know, it was, ‘I never felt outspoken enough. I never felt gay enough. And I never felt enough women. I never felt man enough.’ You know, I always felt like I was a small part of everything,” she said.

“So I usually lead with masculinity. And as a woman, I’ve always been looked down upon a lot, you know what I mean?

“I think a lot of that comes from the person I thought I had to be in order to receive respect, admiration and love. And I’ve always really wanted to be like my father… want to be valued and not be put down just because I’m a woman,” Palmer continued, adding that this feeling has always been the source of “pain.” and resentment” towards her.

With tears in her eyes, she asked: “Why should my gender determine the power I have in the world? And why does my gender determine my gender?

“You know, ever since I was a kid, I’ve always questioned the boxes I’m forced to be in and it starts with who you have to be as a kid.”

Palmer expressed her gratitude for being “seen in this room”, concluding: “Because I know around me people who know for sure what it’s like to decide to be who you are. in a world that thinks you’re all but not yourself.”

Pamela Anderson was also the recipient of the Pioneer Award that evening. Director Del Shores and comedian Mayim Bialik were also present in memory of the late Leslie Jordan, who passed away in October 2022 at the age of 67.

In February, Palmer welcomed their first child, Leodis Andrellton, with boyfriend Darius Jackson. The couple is said to start dating in May 2021.