Anderson Cooper will be honored at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, the Daily News has exclusively learned.
The CNN journalist will receive the Vito Russo award, an accolade GLAAD annually bestows upon an openly gay, lesbian, or transgender media figure who has worked to promote equality.
Good Morning America anchors Lara Spencer, Josh Elliott, and Sam Champion will co-host the ceremony, to be held in New York on March 16.
It will be the first time that Cooper,45, will appear at an LGBT event since he came out in July 2012.
Past recipients of the Vito Russo Award include Sir Elton John, Ricky Martin, and Rosie O’Donnell.
“By sharing his own experiences as a gay man, Anderson has reminded millions of Americans that LGBT people are part of their everyday lives and an integral part of our cultural fabric,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick in a statement.
“He continues to raise the bar and set a new standard for journalists everywhere, and I’m proud to call him a friend.”
Cooper, whose sexual orientation had long been a secret to the general public, revealed that he was gay in a letter to The Daily Beast’s Andrew Sullivan last summer.
“The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud,” Cooper wrote.
Cooper is also nominated in the “Outstanding TV Journalism” category for a piece on an outspoken anti-gay pastor. He has also been awarded three previous trophies from the GLAAD Media Awards for his work reporting on issues relevant to the LGBT community.
See the other nominees at http://glaad.org/mediaawards
