Mario Dedivanovic delivered an emotional acceptance speech
On Monday, Kim Kardashian presented her longtime makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic with an Artist Achievement Award.
Dedivanovic used his time on stage at the American Influencer Awards to come out as gay.
The 37-year-old delivered a powerful and emotional speech, which he has since shared on Instagram.
He began by thanking Kimberley who he called his muse and angel.
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Dedivanovic then revealed that he recently told his mother on her 73rd birthday that he had, "spent his entire life and childhood suppressing my thoughts."
"Suppressing my dreams, my feelings, my creativity. Trying to be invisible so that no one would know how I'm feeling inside."
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He told the audience that he was traumatized being himself and that he'd been living in fear his whole life.
Dedivanovic recalled that his mother told him, "Mario, from this day forward you are never again to live in shame or fear."
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Dedivanovic then asked people to, "open your eyes. To open your hearts and your souls."
"Because so many of our little boys and girls around the world are growing up in pain and fear like I did."
"Thinking of killing themselves every single day like I did."
He went on, "Little kids are scared that their parents, their uncles, aunts and cousins, their family will not accept them because they were born different."
"We are not different. We all bleed the same and we are all equally deserving of the right to feel happiness and to feel loved."
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"Right now, I stand here for the first time in my life, a proud, 37-year-old gay man," said Dedivanovic as the audience applauded.
Kim then joined her best friend on stage to show support as he came to the end of his speech.
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Celebs show their support
Mario's celebrity friends have been sharing messages of support on social media today.
Khloe Kardashian wrote, 'Oh my goodness Mario!!!!! I am so proud of you! You are so brave!'
'Always such a strong and courageous class act! You have always been an inspiration to so many!'
'Every word you said was from your soul! I am so incredibly proud of you!! You are loved'.
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Kylie Jenner shared love heart emojis while Kris said, 'We love you Mario and you are going to FLY!!!!!!'
Cover photos: YouTube Kim Kardashian West
