GLAAD to Honor Ricky, Kristin

Grammy award-winning singer Ricky Martin and Emmy- and Tony
award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth will be honored at
the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards.

Martin will receive the Vito
Russo Award, which is presented to an openly LGBT media professional
who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for LGBT people, in New York on Saturday, March, 19.

"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, president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, in a statement released to the press.
"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."

Chenoweth
will receive the Vanguard Award, which is presented to media
professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of
LGBT people, in Los Angeles on Sunday, April 10.

"When
allies like Kristin take such powerful stands against antigay
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."

For more information on the awards, click here.