Madonna to present award

AP / Madonna

Madonna to honor Anderson Cooper at GLAAD Media Awards

March 4, 2013, 7:29 AM EST

WENN

Madonna will present U.S.journalist Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award at the 24th annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City on March16.

Bing: Madonna's Instagram controversy

The Vito Russo Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made "a significant difference in promoting equality." The award is named for Vito Russo, a founder of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

Previous Vito Russo honorees include Ricky Martin, Rosie O'Donnell, Alan Cumming, Cynthia Nixon, Nathan Lane, Cherry Jones, Elton John and Tom Ford.

"Madonna has been a passionate spokesperson and longtime supporter of gay rights," GLAAD president Herndon Graddick said. "She has embraced LGBT people around the world on many occasions. From speaking out against bullying to raising support for marriage equality, Madonna has always been one of our community's strongest allies. We are honored to have her stand with GLAAD and Anderson Cooper."