Thu 10 Feb 2011 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Ricky Martin is being honoured for his efforts to increase understanding of America's gay and lesbian community. The Latin singer, who came out last year, will be given GLAAD's Vito Russo Award at a ceremony in March. The award is given annually to an openly gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual professional who is deemed to have made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the community. "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," said Jarrett Barrios, GLAAD president. Broadway singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth , who is the original star of the stage musical Wicked and a guest star on TV show Glee, will be presented with the Vanguard Award which is given annually to those who increase the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community. Chenoweth was singled out for defending her gay Broadway co-star Sean Hayes in the musical "Promises, Promises" against comments in a 2010 Newsweek article which argued that openly gay actors were unconvincing in straight roles. "When allies like Kristin take such powerful stands against anti-gay sentiments in the media, it sends an important message of equality," Barrios says.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 10th February 2011 - 1:33pm