Madonna will present CNN anchor and
daytime talk show host Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award at
the 24th annual Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation's (GLAAD) Media Awards 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, 45, came out gay early last
year after ducking rumors for years.
“Madonna has been a passionate
spokesperson and long time supporter of gay rights. She has embraced
LGBT people around the world on many occasions,” GLAAD President
Herndon Graddick said in a statement. “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”
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.