Canadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright was once again honoured by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards, this time for his work promoting gay rights.
At the award ceremony Apr 26, Wainwright was presented with the Stephen F Kolzak award, which is named after a Los Angeles casting director who fought HIV discrimination and homophobia. Previous honourees include Melissa Etheridge, Ellen Degeneres and Sir Ian McKellen.
This is Wainwright’s second GLAAD award this year. In March, Wainwright won the award for Outstanding Music Artist. GLAAD awards are split into four ceremonies, held throughout the year.
Other Canadian celebrities who walked the red carpet include Degrassi star Adamo Ruggiero. Degrassi was nominated for best TV drama, but was beat out by Brothers and Sisters, a show that stars recently-out Canadian actor Luke MacFarlane.
Other winners of the night included:
- Singer Janet Jackson won the Vanguard award for her efforts to raise AIDS awareness
- Photographer Herb Ritts was posthumously awarded the Pioneer award, for his commitment to AIDS-related charities
- Ugly Betty won an award for best TV comedy, for the second year in a row