GLAAD to Honor Ricky Martin, Kristin Chenoweth

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation will honor Ricky Martin and Kristin Chenoweth, the organization announced Wednesday.

Ricky Martin proud to be "a fortunate gay man"

Martin will receive the Vito Russo Award at GLAAD's 22nd annual Media Awards on March 19 in New York. Named after one of GLAAD's founders, the award is given to an openly LGBT media professional who made a significant difference in promoting equal rights. The singer came out last March."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. "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."

Kristin Chenoweth calls Newsweek article "homophobic"

Chenoweth will receive the Vanguard Award at an event in Los Angeles on April 10. The award is presented to those who have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community. The Tony and Emmy winner defended gay actors, including her Promises, Promises co-star, Sean Hayes, last May after a Newsweek columnist wrote that gay actors could not convincingly play straight characters."When allies like Kristin take such powerful stands against anti-gay 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."