Ricky Martin Among Top Winners at 2011 GLAAD Media Awards

Ricky Martin's interview with
Oprah last year -- during which he talked about coming out of the closet to set an example for his twin sons about the importance of telling the truth -- helped earn him two big honors at the 22nd annual GLAAD Media Awards.
The prizes were presented in 25 categories by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation on Saturday, during a ceremony in New York City hosted by Bravo's Andy Cohen.
Martin won the Vito Russo Award, named for the late GLAAD co-founder, and bestowed on high-profile members of the LGBT community for contributions in combating homophobia. The singer, 39, was also cited for Outstanding
Talk Show Episode for his appearance on Oprah's daytime series.
"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.
Russell Simmons won the Excellence in Media Award; among his contributions to LGBT rights, the hip-hop mogul wrote an open letter to the U.S. Senate urging the repeal of
'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' and implored New York's governor to keep supporting marriage equality.
TV shows that won accolades included '30 Rock' (praised for 'Outstanding Episode' in a series without a regular LGBT character), 'True Blood' (named 'Outstanding Drama Series') and 'Anderson Cooper 360' (winner of 'Outstanding TV Journalist-Newsmagazine,' for its series 'Gay Teen Suicides).
There are 32 categories in all, and the remainder of the prizes will be awarded in ceremonies later this spring in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
For her guest role on 'Glee,' and her
outspoken support of Sean Hayes (whose ability to succeed in a heterosexual role was doubted by a Newsweek columnist in 2010), Kristin Chenoweth will receive the Vanguard Award in May. The prize is for media stars who demonstrate tolerance and increase understanding of the gay community; past winners include Whoopi Goldberg,
Drew Barrymore, Sharon Stone, Charlize Theron, Antonio Banderas, Eric McCormack, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli and
Kathy Griffin.
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Pacific Coast News
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I am happy for Ricky Martin and Family...
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Did Anderson thank HIS boyfiend too?
oh, maybe he didn't attend.
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Russell Simons wife left him cause he is on the down low.
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Ricky Martin is a dirty-looking old has been perv to my eyes. Who cares about this old geezer? He lost my vote when he outed himself. He reminds me of slimy old men.
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That "dirty old man" is hotter than you will ever be, is more successful than you will ever be and could put his shoes under my bed anytime!!!
bet u were alone on valentines day connie.
ricky=40=hottttttttttt
You horrible little ignorant woman. Raised by wolves? If you have nothing nice to say, KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!
He isn't dirty looking, he isn't old, being gay doesn't make him a "perv" and him "outing" himself was a corageous and honest thing to do and he's a better parent than you'll ever be. Little jealous there?
I wonder how many of these perverts are Christaphobic?.What a sick group of people.
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Liz sounds like a very lonely homely lady. She hates gay men cuz no man wants her. This srt8 man will pray for ur ugly hateful soul. & hope u NEVER have children!
I wonder what is told to the children, which one on you guys are suppose to be my mommie?...Cause I want a REAL mommie.How about the daddy role too? Whos your daddy?
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wonder if child molestors united gives out awards to?
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ask ur daddy ec.
Check the facts. The majority of child molesters are straight.
Most child molesters are straight.
Most child molesters are staight. Mr. Martin is a parent; he doesn't fit the profile.
First award for Ricky! wonder why he came 'Out'
Hes a coward and a liar, definition of a hasbeen.
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Hey Laughable...ricky never answered the ? if he was gay. So "liar" or "closeted" does not fit.
And "has been".. he will star in Evita on Broadway this summer.
So bite on tat b!aaaaaatch!
This is a sad shame. He is good looking, but a dirty mangirl. I hope he loses the children. I believe gays moleste children thats why they want them.
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Grow up & get a life. Find your self some gay friends (look in your church. There is bound to be at least 1 or 2 closeted gays there) Maybe along the way you will decide to love all gods children.