One gay valedictorian who was disrespected by his school has now met a singing legend. It’s not a consolation for the earlier disrespect, but it’s still a great treat.
Last month, we shared with you the story of Sheboygan Lutheran High School valedictorian Nat Werth. Werth was barred from giving his graduation speech because the administration didn’t trust him to stay on script.
As Werth told local news sources, “When the administration looked at my speech, I think they were looking for me to misstep, to say something so that I couldn’t give my speech at graduation… deep down, I knew that they didn’t trust me.”
But thanks to that moment, Werth’s name started to trend online. His name and face went so far that it eventually reached the eyes and ears of the famous singer and actress named Jennifer Lopez.
Everyone deserves love
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Nat, thank you for celebrating with me… Always standing with you. Continue to use your voice and spread only love and acceptance. Don’t stop being you. #Repost #loveislove #ItsMyPartyTour pic.twitter.com/bRbUyjiyQk— jlo (@JLo) July 5, 2019
Lopez reached out to Werth and the two met on Wednesday at her Summerfest show at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater in Wisconsin.
“Jennifer had a chance to tell Nat that she supports him speaking out and she stands behind him,” said news anchor Carson Daly reported on NBC News’ Today. “Werth said that meeting Jennifer Lopez was absolutely an amazing experience he will never forget.”
Lopez reposted the news coverage with the caption, “Nat, thank you for celebrating with me… Always standing with you. Continue to use your voice and spread only love and acceptance. Don’t stop being you.”
This is the latest in the ongoing opportunities and attention wrapped around Werth. He appeared on the above Today show, interviewed with TIME Magazine and won Milwaukee Pridefest’s 2019 Valor Award.