By Jenna Clarke
Bono has accepted the mantle of Glamour magazine's first Man of the Year by responding to the backlash to his award.
"This is, well, it is a bit ridiculous. And I know how ridiculous it is for me to be on this stage accepting this award. But if I didn't know how ridiculous it was, I did have the blessed internet to remind me," he said before quoting tweets that flooded social media after the magazine announced he would take out the top honour ahead of gymnast Simone Biles and International Monetary Fund director Christine Lagarde.
"'Out of all the women alive, Bono is my favourite. It's just so inspiring how she overcame the adversity of being a millionaire white dude', or 'It's so important that our daughters understand that they can grow up to be Bono', and this is actually my favourite, but it really hurts: 'Sure, Glamour named Bono woman of the year, but in their defence, the transition lenses do make him look like a 75-year-old lady from Miami'," he said.
The U2 frontman was honoured for his work on gender equality and after his comedic opening, called on Donald Trump to prioritise equality.
Bono laughed at the ridiculousness of being awarded Glamour magazine's Man of the Year award.Credit: Getty
"There is nowhere on Earth women have the same opportunity as men...And unless we address this problem - both men and women together - our world will continue down this misogynistic, violent and impoverished path," he said.
"So, I say to the president elect: Look across to women. Make equality a priority. It is the only way forward. The train is leaving the station. Be on it or be under it," he said.
Bono was presented with the inaugural award, which has for the last 26 years gone to a woman.
"It's going to be hard to give another one of these awards next year because frankly there is no one better deserving than Bono and also we are going to spend the next four years watching white men congratulate themselves so I think we'll be full up," presenter Amy Poehler said before comparing Bono's voice to a "source of moonlight".
"People like Bono give me faith in men. I'm raising two young boys in my own garden and I'm looking for men to point to say: 'See what he's doing? See how he does it? That one over there is famous. He could live in a solid gold submarine and make babies fight each other for sport but he doesn't'. Instead he's dedicated his life to being a light for so many who are scared and alone."
Earlier this month Glamour justified the decision to celebrate the singer and founder of the Poverty is Sexist campaign, explaining that men need to be included in the fight for gender equality and other social issues.