On Sunday, February 23rd, at the 2025 SAG Awards, Jane Fonda delivered a powerful speech that resonated far beyond the ceremony’s walls. Honored for her 65-year career, the Grace and Frankie star, a longtime advocate for queer and trans rights, emphasized the importance of empathy and solidarity in today’s challenging times.
“What we, actors, create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their soul,” Fonda stated. “And make no mistake: empathy is not weak or ‘woke.’ By the way, being woke simply means that you care about other people.”
Her message was a clear call to Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as the current political climate, marked by federal budget cuts and attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), threatens many sectors, including the arts and culture.
“A lot of people are going to suffer because of what’s happening right now,” she warned. “Even if they don’t share our political views, we need to avoid judging and learn to listen with our hearts.”
Fonda also stressed the importance of staying united and standing up for the most vulnerable. “This is not a rehearsal. We are living through our documentary moment. It’s happening here and now, and we must not turn a blind eye. The situation is serious, so let’s be brave. Let’s stay in community, support those in need, and envision a future that is inspiring, welcoming, and full of hope.”
She ended her speech on a note of optimism: “There will always be love, always be beauty. And there will be an ocean of truth where we can all swim. So, let’s make it happen.”
A poignant reminder that the fight for a fairer and more inclusive world begins with empathy and collective action.
You may also like
-
Royalties: turning Belgium into a Queerdom for one queer, royal night
On 26 June 2026, Royalties – Let’s turn Belgium into a Queerdom will bring drag, ballroom and
-
“We are modern people”: what Zelensky’s call for open LGBTQ+ dialogue means in wartime Ukraine
In a rare, explicit reference to LGBTQ+ rights, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on 11 June that
-
Various Voices Brussels 2026: the choir festival is getting its volunteer chorus ready
In less than two months, Brussels will host Various Voices 2026, Europe’s biggest LGBTQI+ choir festival,
-
Pride as mourning and defiance: why Metz needs us to march with them
June is Pride month across the world, a time when marches, parades and festivals celebrate
-
The curtain falls: Cabaret Mademoiselle prepares its last bow
On 20 July 2026, the curtain of Cabaret Mademoiselle on rue du Marché au Charbon will fall