Tonight, Madonna took the stage at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards to present the Vito Russo Award to advocate, award-winning journalist, author and talk show host Anderson Cooper. The Vito Russo Award is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality.
Madonna wore a Boy Scouts outfit as part of GLAAD's year-long campaign to end the Boy Scouts of America's ban on gay scouts and leaders.
Check out the video below:
Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell, who was ousted as her son's den leader because she is gay last year, also spoke onstage. "We’re making sure that no parent ever has to look their child in the eye, like the Boy Scouts made me do, and say that your family isn't good enough," said Tyrrell. "You really need to know about the loving way GLAAD staff has treated our family. Taking my countless phone calls at all hours of the night, crying with me and holding me through rivers of tears."
Madonna and Anderson Cooper joined hosts Lara Spencer, Josh Elliott and Sam Champion (Good Morning America);Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters); NFL players Brendon Ayanbadejo (Baltimore Ravens) and Chris Kluwe (Minnesota Vikings); Christian Borle, Andy Mientus, Krysta Rodriguez (Smash); Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey); Jenni "JWOWW" Farley, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (The Jersey Shore, Snooki & JWoww); Annie Clark, Cristine Prosperi (Degrassi); Straight But Not Narrow founder Avan Jogia; Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil); John Leguizamo (Ice Age, Moulin Rouge); Laverne Cox (Musical Chairs); GLAAD's Strategic Giving Officer Wilson Cruz (My So-Called Life); producing dream team Neil Meron and Craig Zadan and others at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, which helps fund GLAAD's work to amplify stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality.
For a complete list of winners, click here.
The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards series will continue in Los Angeles on April 20, 2013. For ticket information, click here.
The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were presented nationally by Ketel One and Wells Fargo, and presented locally in New York by Delta Air Lines.
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