Russell Simmons, Ricky Martin, OUT/The Advocate, Scissor Sisters and Anderson Cooper were among the top honorees at the 22nd annual GLAAD Media Awards presented by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation on Saturday in New York.
Music and entertainment mogul Russell Simmons received the Excellence in Media Award presented by the Rev. Al Sharpton. Both are veteran supporters of gay rights and Simmons recently took part in advertisements for the Human Rights Campaign to support marriage equality. Simmons referenced religious-based homophobia in his acceptance speech.
"I'm humbled by having one of my mentors and heroes Rev. Sharpton giving me this award," said Simmons. "It's no secret that faith-based communities, in some cases, have been difficult, and I think that for all of us who step outside of our comfort zone and fight for the rights of others, we are blessed. And Rev. Sharpton [has] stood up in so many ways and has been very special. And to the gay and lesbian community he's a true blessing."
Ricky Martin was given the Vito Russo Award for promoting equal rights. Martin announced on his blog last March that he is gay and his Oprah appearance to discuss his coming out also won for outstanding talk show episode.
More from Reuters:
"I just want to be free. I can say, today I am free," the Puerto Rican singer said at New York's GLAAD Media Awards, which recognize the best portrayals of gay community members in film, television, radio, music, newspapers and blogs.
Martin, the 39 year-old singer of hits such as his 1999 single "Livin' la Vida Loca" who has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide, revealed he was gay in 2010 after more than a decade in the international spotlight. His coming-out included a TV interview with Oprah Winfrey and since then, he has been heralded as a gay role model, especially for Latin Americans. Martin thanked his parents and boyfriend before urged the audience to "let's go Latin America and let's share the love."
Rod 2.0 was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award and did not win. Bravo and congratulations to JoeMyGod for winning Outstanding Blog.
More awards will be presented in Los Angeles on April 10 and in San Francisco on May 14. The full list of winners and via Boy Culture, a clip of Simmons and Martin's acceptance speeches and Wilson Cruz on the red carpet, WHEN YOU JUMP ....
Excellence in Media Award: Russell Simmons
Vito Russo Award: Ricky Martin
Outstanding Drama Series: True Blood
Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without a regular LGBT character): 30 Rock episode "Klaus & Greta"
Outstanding Digital Journalism-Multimedia: "Bridal Bliss: Aisha and Danielle" by Bobbi Misick (Essence.com)
Outstanding Talk Show Episode: "Ricky Martin Coming Out as a Gay Man and a New Dad" on The Oprah Winfrey Show
Outstanding TV Journalist-Newsmagazine: "Gay Teen Suicides" (series) Anderson Cooper 360
Outstanding Newspaper Article: "Rutgers Student Tyler Clementi's Suicide Spurs Action Across the U.S." by Judy Peet of the Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J.
Outstanding Newspaper Columnist: Frank Rich, the New York Times
Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage: the Denver Post
Outstanding Music Artist: Scissor Sisters, Night Work
Outstanding Comic Book: "X-Factor" by Peter David
Outstanding Blog: Joe. My. God
.
Outstanding Los Angeles Theater: "Something Happened" by L. Trey Wilson
Outstanding New York Theater: Broadway and Off-Broadway: "The Pride" by Alexi Kaye Campbell
Outstanding New York Theater: Off-Off Broadway: "When Last We Flew" by Harrison David Rivers.
Congratulations, Rod! It should have been you.
Ricky looks great. He just gets hotter with age.
Posted by: Zambos27 | 21 March 2011 at 19:07
Rod you will always be our #1 top blogger!!! Thanks for this info.
People always seem to forget who our allies are. As much as folks hate Rev. Sharpton, and I know a number who can't stand him, I will always be glad to know he can put that mouth that roars towards my issues as much as anyone else's.
Congrats to Russell also!!
Posted by: Diva1961 | 21 March 2011 at 20:16
What a shock. Anderson Cooper didnt bother to show up.
Posted by: Jarron | 21 March 2011 at 21:42
Anderson Cooper is in Japan covering the aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactors. The man has priorities.....
Posted by: Fred | 21 March 2011 at 21:52
What Zambos and Diva said. Congrats on your nomination. Would have loved for you to win.
And who knew we had Fandersons at R20? Fred, Jarron was JOKING about AC being semi-closeted. You know, haha?
We know that Andy is in Japan. Can't wait to see how he will make this story about him a la Egypt and Haiti ...
Posted by: Carlos | 21 March 2011 at 22:22