The Oscar-winning actress called out former Vice President Mike Pence onstage and said “conversion therapy isn’t real”
Jennifer Lawrence called out former Vice President Mike Pence at the GLAAD Media Awards.
While presenting the Vito Russo Award to musician Orville Peck on Saturday, May 11, in New York City, the Oscar-winning actress said, “I love the gay community. In fact, I was in love with a homosexual. He was my first love.”
“I tried to convert him for years, but now I know conversion therapy doesn’t work. Did you hear me, Mike Pence? I said conversion therapy isn’t real,” she continued, cupping her mouth for effect.
“Even though I know you think it worked on you,” joked Lawrence, 33.
A rep for Pence, 64, did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
In a January 2018 statement, Pence’s press secretary at the time, Alyssa Farah Griffin (now a co-host on The View), said the then-vice president does not and has never supported the concept of “conversion therapy.” “The accusation is totally false with no basis in fact,” she said.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
Jennifer Lawrence Says She ‘Worked So Hard’ to ‘Forgive’ Her Dad for Differing Political Views
“Despite these misinformed claims [about conversion therapy], the vice president will be enthusiastically supporting all the U.S. athletes competing next month in Pyeongchang,” Farah added at the time.
However, LGBTQ advocates have pointed to a 2000 statement on Pence’s congressional campaign website where he noted that Congress should reauthorize a law funding HIV/AIDS treatment but “resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.”
Pence, a self-described religious conservative, has taken multiple anti-LGBTQ positions over the years.
Conversion Therapy Founder Opens Up About Coming Out as Gay: ‘I Snapped Out of It’
In her speech, Lawrence went on to honor her “favorite musician and good friend” Peck, 36.
After noting that the Vito Russo Award is “given to an artist who has made a significant difference in accelerating LGBTQ acceptance,” the Hunger Games actress called Peck “the definition of a trailblazer.”
“He’s a self-taught musician whose lyrical power and unbelievable voice are all packed into one smokin’-hot body,” she said.
Right before Peck took the stage, Lawrence addressed him, “Orville, you are a pioneer in music and fashion. You are a compelling storyteller who uses your platform to speak up for everyone, and you’re changing the game for the LGBTQ community in country music.”
“I am so proud to call you my friend,” she added.
