Singer Ricky Martin and Broadway star
Kristin Chenoweth will be honored at the 22nd
annual GLAAD Media Awards.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation (GLAAD) will honor the celebrities at their upcoming
awards shows.
Martin will receive the Vito Russo
Award in New York on Saturday, March 19, while Chenoweth will be
honored with the Vanguard Award in Los Angeles on Sunday, April 10.
The Vito Russo Award honors an openly
LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference
promoting gay rights.
Martin, who came out last March, has
gone on to talk openly about his sexuality.
“Ricky coming out was a game changer
for many gay and transgender Latino children, who for too long, did
not have many out gay people to look up to,” GLAAD President
Jarrett Barrios said in a statement. “Through his music, videos,
and interviews, Ricky has sent an important message that our
community wants the same things all people do: an equal chance to
raise our families and take care of our loved ones.”
The Tony Award-winning Chenoweth will
be honored for her work as a gay rights ally. GLAAD
noted that Chenoweth came to the defense of her Promises, Promises
co-star Sean Hayes when a Newsweek op-ed said he didn't play
straight believably.
“When allies like Kristin take such
powerful stands against anti-gay sentiments in the media, it sends an
important message of equality,” Barrios said. “It is a privilege
to honor such a talented and conscientious advocate for fairness
towards the LGBT community.”
GLAAD also announced that Watch What
Happens: Live host Andy Cohen will host the New York show.