CNN anchor Anderson Cooper will be
honored at the 24th annual GLAAD Media Awards.
Cooper, 45, will receive the Gay &
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's (GLAAD) Vito Russo Award in New
York City on Saturday, March 16.
The award honors an openly LGBT media
professional who has made a significant difference promoting gay
rights.
Cooper came out gay early last year
after ducking rumors for years.
“By sharing his own experience 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.”
Good Morning America anchors
Lara Spencer, Josh Elliott and Sam Champion will co-host the
ceremony, to be held at the New York Marriott Marquis.
Cooper, who is nominated in the
Outstanding TV Journalism category, has won three previous GLAAD
Media Awards for his reporting on LGBT issues.