GLAAD announced that Madonna will present journalist, author and talkshow host Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the New York ceremony Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the New York Marriot Marquis.
Cooper and Madonna are longtime friends who have both used their careers to raise support for LGBT people around the globe.
For tickets, table purchases and additional information about the GLAAD Media Awards visithttp://glaad.org/mediaawards .
"Madonna has been a passionate spokesperson and long time supporter of gay rights. She has embraced LGBT people around the world on many occasions," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. "From speaking out against bullying to raising support for marriage equality, Madonna has always been one of our community's strongest allies. We are honored to have her stand with GLAAD and Anderson Cooper."
The Vito Russo Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality. The Award is named for Vito Russo, a founder of GLAAD and celebrated activist with ACT UP, who chronicled the early images of LGBT people in film and in his book The Celluloid Closet. Previous Vito Russo honorees include Ricky Martin, Rosie O'Donnell, Alan Cumming, Cynthia Nixon, Nathan Lane, Cherry Jones, Elton John, k.d. lang, Brian Graden, and Tom Ford.
"By sharing his own experiences as a gay man, Anderson has reminded millions of Americans that LGBT people are part of their everyday lives and an integral part of our cultural fabric," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. "He continues to raise the bar and set a new standard for journalists everywhere, and I'm proud to call him a friend."
The anchors of Good Morning America, Lara Spencer, Josh Elliott and Sam Champion are hosting the evening. Special guests include NFL players Brendon Ayanbadejo and Chris Kluwe, director Brett Ratner, Ellen Barkin, MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry and Thomas Roberts, and John Leguizamo. Additional honorees and guests for the New York event will be announced.
Nominees for the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were announced in January and are available here:www.glaad.org/mediaawards/nominees .
Windy City Times is up for a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Newspaper Article, for its Generational Halsted LGBTQ youth series.
The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in New York on March 16, 2013 at the New York Marriott Marquis; in Los Angeles on April 20 at the JW Marriott; and in San Francisco on May 11 at the Hilton San Francisco - Union Square. Additional Special Honorees for each city will be announced in coming weeks.
