Dang.

I didn't know I was going to go first.

[laughter] But I also didn't know that video was going to play.

But I did prepare a speech.

I might reiterate some things.

Teleprompter looks too scary.

I'm just going to do this.

FRANCIA: We traumatized you!

Anyways, my name's Omar.

[Audience cheers] Um, first, I'd like to thank everybody in this room for being here.

Thank you to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

And thank you to my team.

It's an honor to receive the Inspira award.

I grew up in a very small town in Indiana.

Shout out to everybody from the 219.

I don't know if anyones from the 219.

[Audience cheers] Um... My parents are from Jalisco, México, [Audience cheers] I'm loving all this energy.

Like, you know what I'm saying?

And the claps.

I love that.

All right.

I also love attention.

But anyways... [Audience laughs] I loved growing up with the blend of American and Mexican culture.

I loved growing up with the blend of American and Mexican cu But Indiana is a very conservative state.

I remember growing up very ashamed of being queer and Latino.

The diaspora of Mexicans was very small, and I was reminded constantly that I wasn't, that I couldn't succeed in the arts because of who I inherently was.

Innocent parts of me that I couldn't change.

I'm happy to say in front of all of you now there was no truth to what my counterparts were advising.

I often minimize the inspiration I carry because of how I grew up and where.

But I always say that the only thing I can ever hope for in my music is to inspire and motivate other people.

There's there is no other intention.

[Audience applauds] I know it's a blessing to be inspired.

I know not everybody feels it all the time, especially me.

Facing the harsh realities that life can surface is overwhelming As a child, I never imagined myself to have the privilege and the platform that I do now.

I'm extremely happy and honored to be recognized on behalf of the Latino and queer community and will continue to express myself freely and openly in the way that I choose... [Audience applauds] Im endlessly grateful for all the support I have now.

And thank you to my family.

Because without them, I wouldn't be standing here.

Thank you.

[Audience applause]