‘Glee,’ ‘A Single Man’ among winners at GLAAD Media Awards

‘Glee’ among GLAAD Media Awards winners

LOS ANGELES — “Glee” has another reason to be happy.

The Fox musical comedy was among the winners at the 21st annual GLAAD Media Awards. The show’s cast and creator Ryan Murphy received the trophy for outstanding comedy series at Saturday’s glitzy ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Murphy, in particular, praised lesbian actress Jane Lynch and gay actor Chris Colfer for their contributions.

“We have a great responsibility with the show,” Murphy beamed.

Murphy told the crowd that Colfer’s character, outspoken gay soprano Kurt Hummel, would have a boyfriend next season, and the pair would become prom kings. Murphy also promised the crowd that Colfer’s character “would never be the victim.”

“Iron Chef” Cat Cora presented actress-director Drew Barrymore with the Vanguard Award, which honors efforts to increase visibility and understanding of the gay community. In a humorous video before accepting her trophy, Barrymore listed several of her inspirational gay colleagues, including her agent, lawyer, doctor, stylists and one of her dogs.

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

Constance McMillen, the lesbian Mississippi teenager who challenged her school district’s ban of same-sex prom dates, presented comedian-actress Wanda Sykes with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is given by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to an openly gay member of the entertainment community for their work toward eliminating homophobia.

“I’m willing to give this award to you,” Sykes teased McMillen, “but I’m not gonna do it. It means a lot to me.”

Other winners included Logo’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” for outstanding reality program and “A Single Man” for outstanding wide release film. “A Single Man” director Tom Ford wasn’t on hand to receive his trophy. His partner Richard Buckley accepted the award on Ford’s behalf because the filmmaker was stranded in London thanks to the volcanic cloud of ash.

Adam Lambert, the glam-rocking “American Idol” runner-up who raised eyebrows with his racy performance at last year’s American Music Awards, capped off the ceremony hosted by transgender actress Candis Cayne and gay actor Wilson Cruz with a performance of his tunes “Music Again” and “Fever.” He ended by pleading for diversity within the gay community.

The awards salute fair, accurate and inclusive representation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives in the media. Other winners — chosen from 152 nominees in 32 categories — were awarded at a March ceremony in New York, while the remainder will be presented at a San Francisco ceremony in June.

On the Net:

www.glaad.org/mediaawards