F-word show wins gay award
A hit US TV drama which was at the centre of media attention earlier this year over a homophobic on-set argument has won an award at a gay ceremony.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Awards were held in Los Angeles yesterday.
ABC hit show Grey’s Anatomy won the category of Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without a gay character).
Until very recently Grey’s did not even have a gay actor, but an on-set argument in which the word ‘faggot’ was used forced star TR Knight to reveal that he is gay.
Co-star Isaiah Washington has publicly apologised for using the word during the argument and repeating it in front of the press at the Golden Globe awards in January.
T.R. Knight opened last night’s GLAAD awards show.
Welcoming the crowd Knight said, “I am angry at the inequality we face every day.
“I hope to turn my anger into action. One of my actions is to be here to celebrate GLAAD’s work and its work to teach and promote inclusion.”
GLAAD promote fair and accurate representation of people and events in the American media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Martina Navratalova was honoured at the ceremony with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award.
It is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the LGBT community.
Brokeback Mountain star Jake Gyllenhaal presented Jennifer Aniston with GLAAD’s Vanguard Award.
“I want to thank GLAAD for their steadfast commitment to opening people’s minds,” Aniston said in her acceptance speech.
“This is called the Vanguard Award which in some ways suggests I’m at the forefront. But I’m here with you tonight to say that I’m proud to stand not in front of you, but I stand right beside you. I commend you.”
Little Miss Sunshine won Outstanding Film and Ugly Betty won Outstanding Comedy Series.
