At the recent Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, 87-year-old actress and activist Jane Fonda was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. In her speech, she reflected on her journey, reassuring the audience, “It’s okay to be a late bloomer as long as you don’t miss the flower show.” Gesturing to her statuette, she added, “I’m a late bloomer. This is the flower show.”
She used her platform to emphasise the importance of empathy, pushing back against those who dismiss it as weakness. “Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke,” she stated.
“And, by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people.”
Relive Jane Fonda’s unforgettable Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech. #SAGAwards pic.twitter.com/S0DmD6zzjd
— Netflix (@netflix) February 24, 2025
A lifelong activist, Fonda drew parallels between historic movements such as the Civil Rights struggle and today’s turbulent political landscape. “We are in our documentary moment,” she observed, urging people to stay engaged and hopeful.
“There will still be beauty, and there will be an ocean of truth for us to swim in.”
Beyond her film career, SAG Award-winner Jane Fonda has dedicated much of her life to advocacy.
Her activism dates back to the 1960s, when she became involved in the Civil Rights movement, aligning herself with the Black Panther Party in their fight against police brutality. She provided shelter to members, hosted fundraisers, and supported imprisoned activist Angela Davis—actions that led to government surveillance.
Elsewhere, she co-founded the Women’s Media Center to amplify women’s voices and combat gender bias in the media. In 1995, she launched the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, recognising adolescence as a pivotal stage in life and working to destigmatise conversations around sexuality, sensuality, and relationships.
reminder that Jane Fonda has BEEN that bitch! this woman has been arrested at multiple protests over the course of her lifetime for giving a damn about other people!! pic.twitter.com/cJRMb9rdFQ
— 🔮 (@kermywermy) February 24, 2025
Fonda’s most infamous brush with authority came in 1970 when she was arrested at the age of 32 while on a speaking tour opposing the Vietnam War. Though this remains one of her most well-known acts of defiance, her commitment to activism has never wavered. Whether through art or direct action, she has spent a lifetime championing justice, proving that even late bloomers can leave a lasting impact.
© 2025 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN is a free, vital resource for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity - Charity Number: 20034580.
GCN relies on the generous support of the community and allies to sustain the crucial work that we do. Producing GCN is costly, and, in an industry which has been hugely impacted by rising costs, we need your support to help sustain and grow this vital resource.
Supporting GCN for as little as €1.99 per month will help us continue our work as Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.
comments. Please sign in to comment.