Congrats to Lena Waithe, who starred in arguably the best episode in Season 2 of Master of None and deservedly picked up an Emmy tonight alongside Aziz Ansari. Just as Hollywood was congratulating itself for its improvement in diversity throughout the show, Waithe became only the first black woman to win an Emmy for Writing in a Comedy Series.
While accepting, Aziz stepped aside on stage to let Waithe have the mic. She thanked her girlfriend and the Master of None crew, as well as “my LGBTQIA family,” as the pair beat out writers for Atlanta (including Donald Glover), Veep and Silicon Valley.
“The things that make us different, those are our superpowers. Every day when you walk out the door and put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world,” said Waithe. “Because the world would not be as beautiful as it is without us in it.” True. She added, “Thank you for embracing a little Indian boy from South Carolina and a little queer black girl from the Southside of Chicago.” Personally, I feel powerful.
DISCUSSION
Beyond well-deserved. That episode was so flawlessly crafted and beautiful, and her acceptance speech made me cry.
Every LGBTQ+ person, remember to put your cape on before you leave the house tomorrow.