DREW BARRYMORE HONOURED BY GLAAD

A host of celebrities, including Adam Lambert, joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) on Saturday as it honoured Drew Barrymore and Wanda Sykes at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.

The awards aim to highlight the fair, accurate and inclusive representation of LGBT issues and people in the media.

At the ceremony, actress and producer Drew Barrymore, who has spoken out in favour of full marriage equality, received the Vanguard Award; presented to individuals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community in the media.

“The thing that means the most to me about an evening like this, and why I want to fight and be outspoken, is because there are so many people who are in desperate need of family,” said Barrymore in her acceptance speech.

“So whatever governments we have to overcome, whatever adversity people have to overcome to create these families and have the legal things be out of the way so that love can exist and people can take care of one another, that’s the most important thing in the world. That we take care of each other.”

Also at the event, Mississippi teen Constance McMillen, whose high school cancelled her prom rather than allow her to attend with her girlfriend, presented the Stephen F. Kolzak Award to The New Adventures of Old Christine actress Wanda Sykes.

Sykes attended the event with her wife Alex, making their first press appearance as a couple. The Stephen F. Kolzak Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the LGBT community in the media.

Sykes said in her acceptance speech that she was very “humbled” by the honour. “[It’s great] to be out and open and free and be able to say thank to my wife. It’s love and being honest that wins hearts and minds,” she said.

A Single Man was awarded for Outstanding Film – Wide Release. Richard Buckley accepted on behalf of director Tom Ford, his partner of 23 years, who was unable to attend due to flight cancellations in Europe.

The award for Outstanding Comedy Series went to the musical series Glee, while RuPaul accepted the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Reality Program for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Rob Halford, the openly gay lead singer for Judas Priest introduced Adam Lambert, who closed the show with a performance.

In March, Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon was also honoured by GLAAD at the first of the three GLAAD Media Awards for 2010. An additional, final event will take place in San Francisco on June 5th.