GLAAD will honor Anderson Cooper with Vito Russo Award

GLAAD will honor veteran CNN journalist Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award at this year’s GLAAD Media Awards in New York on March 16..

E! News reports the top honor is given to an openly gay, lesbian, or transgender media figure who has strongly promoted equality.

Cooper has done just that. Although Cooper only came out of the closet last July, he has been a longtime advocate for the gay community. On his show Anderson Cooper 360°, he has covered issues like LGBT bullying and transgendered children in depth.

Cooper publiclly came out of the closet in July 2012 to The Daily Beast, saying, “The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself and proud."

"By sharing his own experiences as a gay man, Anderson has reminded millions of Americans that LGBT people are part of their everyday lives and an integral part of our cultural fabric," said GLAAD president Herndon Graddick.

The annual awards ceremony will welcome Good Morning America anchors Sam Champion, Josh Elliot, and Lara Spencer as hosts.