J.Lo to be honoured for work supporting LGBT community

Jennifer Lopez is to be honoured for her work in support of the LGBT community at this year’s GLAAD Media Awards.

The actress/singer/businesswoman will receive GLAAD’s Vanguard Award, which is presented to “artists and media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community”.

Previous recipients of GLAAD’s Vanguard Award include Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson, Kristen Chenoweth, Josh Hutcherson, Eric McCormack and Sharon Stone.

Lopez serves as an executive producer on The Fosters, a US drama series about a lesbian couple raising a family of biological, adopted and foster children. She is also a vocal supporter of equal marriage, saying: “When it comes to gay marriage, I just believe in love. I believe that when two people find each other and love each other, they should be able to spend their lives together with all the same benefits and privileges as everyone.”

GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)’s CEO-President Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement: “Through her work to bring The Foster to life and by consistently speaking out as a powerful ally, Jennifer Lopez has not only sent a message of acceptance to LGBT adults and young people, but inspired new support for our community among her many fans around the globe. Family is about love, and that’s a message Jennifer has shared with millions through her ground-breaking work on The Fosters.”

This year’s GLAAD Media Awards will be held in two parts: on April 12 in Los Angeles and on May 3 in New York. Lopez will receive her award at the Los Angeles event.

Other nominees for this year’s GLAAD Media Awards include Lady Gaga, Elton John and Behind the Candelabra –  Click here for the full list of nominations.