Channing Tatum to present gay media award to ‘Independence Day’ director

Openly gay Hollywood blockbuster director Roland Emmerich is to be honoured at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles next month.

The German-born Emmerich is best known for helming big budget films including 2012, Day After Tomorrow, Stargate, Independence Day and The Patriot.

He recently completed filming Stonewall, a drama about the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, a major turning point in the struggle for LGBT equality.

Emmerich will be presented with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award by Tatum who starred in the director’s recent White House Down and will next be seen in Magic Mike XXL.

The award is presented to “an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality.”

In addition to his work in film and television, Emmerich has contributed to several non-profit organisations, including Outfest’s Legacy Project, dedicated to preserving LGBT film history; The Los Angeles LGBT Center; Freedom to Marry; and the Cambodian Children’s Fund.

“As one of Hollywood’s most sought-after film directors, Roland Emmerich has entertained audiences across the globe. His generosity has touched the lives of countless LGBT people, bringing shelter to homeless youth and preserving culture-changing stories that help close the gap to full acceptance,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.

“Now, with the upcoming release of Stonewall, millions of movie-goers all across the world will see the harms of anti-LGBT discrimination and learn about the historic riots that forever changed equality in America,” added Ellis.