JENNIFER LOPEZ TO BE HONOURED FOR GAY SUPPORT

American star Jennifer Lopez will be honoured by gay group GLAAD next month for her continued support for the LGBT community.

The actress, dancer, producer and singer will receive the Vanguard Award at the 25th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 12.

The award is presented to artists and media professionals who, through their work, “have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.”

Lopez is not only a performer and personality but is also one of the executive producers of The Fosters, a drama series about a lesbian couple raising a family of biological, adopted, and foster children.

Last year, a tearful Lopez revealed in an interview that she was inspired to produce the show by her late lesbian aunt and “the prejudices that she faced.”

The Fosters became the target of an anti-gay campaign by the conservative lobby group One Million Moms.

Lopez has also been a strong supporter of marriage equality, saying “when it comes to gay marriage, I just believe in love. I believe that when two people find each other and love each other, they should be able to spend their lives together with all the same benefits and privileges as everyone.”

GLAAD CEO and President Sarah Kate commented that, “Through her work to bring The Fosters to life and by consistently speaking out as a powerful ally, Jennifer Lopez has not only sent a message of acceptance to LGBT adults and young people, but inspired new support for our community among her many fans around the globe.

“Family is about love, and that’s a message Jennifer has shared with millions through her groundbreaking work on The Fosters,” Kate added.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognise and honour media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives.