Selena Gomez, a renowned multihyphenate, has long understood the profound importance of representation. On December 4th at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala held at The Beverly Hills Hotel, she was honored with the Equity in Entertainment Award. This award, created in 2016 by the outlet, aims to recognize those who amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry. Another notable nominee was Nicole Kidman, who received the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.

Accepting the Award: A Dedication to the Unheard

When accepting her award, the "Wizards of Waverly Place" alum dedicated it to "the people who don't have voices and have been overlooked, pushed aside, and most importantly have been disrespected." Reflecting on a particular moment when she was 15 and filming a "kid show," she recounted a story shared by a young mother in the audience. "She was with her daughter and she said, 'I'm so excited and happy. Thank you for being someone that looks like my daughter on TV because she can finally look up to someone like her.' " This experience made a lasting impact on Gomez. 2: At that age, Gomez may not have fully grasped the gravity of those words regarding representation, but she was deeply grateful. She aspired to live up to that responsibility in whatever way possible. She firmly believes that young girls need to see themselves reflected in diverse roles, heroes, leaders, and complex characters. When they do, it ignites their dreams and encourages them to pursue their aspirations.

The Power of Representation

Gomez emphasizes that representation is not just about seeing more faces on the screen. It's about creating opportunities for people to see themselves. By giving people a platform to tell their stories, we not only gain a deeper understanding of one another but also open doors to what's possible. She shares, "When we give people the platform to tell their stories, we not only deepen our understanding for one another, we open doors to what’s possible." 2: Representation is a powerful force that can shape the lives and perspectives of individuals. It allows people to feel seen and validated, giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams. Gomez's own journey is a testament to the impact of representation. As she has achieved success in the entertainment industry, she has become a role model for many young girls, showing them that they too can achieve great things.

Believing in Equity and Representation

Speaking to PEOPLE about the honor, Gomez expresses her unwavering belief in equity and the representation of "all types of women." She believes that we deserve to be who we are, in control of our bodies, minds, and souls. She hopes that we can celebrate this and continue to bring about more change. She adds, "We need more stories like Emilia Pérez. We need more moments in history that we can break the mold." 2: Gomez's message is one of empowerment and inclusivity. She encourages us to embrace diversity and fight for equal opportunities for all. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has a chance to shine. Her dedication to this cause serves as an inspiration to us all.