The annual GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) awards were announced on April 21 in LA and April 24 in NY. Chaz Bono took out the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is presented to an openly gay LGBT media professional. Bono was presented the award by his stepmother Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack and his mother Cher. In presenting the award, Cher told her son ‘You are the most courageous person I know and you really deserve this award, so come up and get this award!’.

Other notable winners including Lady Gaga, who won Outstanding Music Artist for Born This Way; Hunger Games’ star Josh Hutcherson won the Vanguard Award for his Straight Not Narrow campaign and a Special Recognition Award was given to openly gay 17-year-old anti-bullying advocate, Katy Butler. A full list of winners is available at www.glaad.org/mediaawards

Zoey Carter