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Jennifer Lopez to Be Honored by Gay Rights Group

Hollywood superstar to receive award next month at star-studded gala

By Marc Malkin Mar 24, 2014 1:00 PMTags
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Jennifer Lopez is adding another honor to her long list of superstar achievements.

The American Idol judge will receive the Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards next month in Los Angeles. (FYI: The gala's co-chairs include yours truly.)

The award 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."

Lopez has been an outspoken supporter of marriage equality. "When it comes to gay marriage, I just believe in love," she said. "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."

© MHD, PacificCoastNews.

J.Lo is a producer of The Fosters, the ABC Family series about a lesbian couple raising a family of biological, adopted and foster children.

"Through her work to bring The Fosters 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," GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. "Family is about love, and that's a message Jennifer has shared with millions through her groundbreaking work on The Fosters."

Past recipients of the Vanguard Award include Josh Hutcherson, Janet Jackson, Drew Barrymoore, Antonio Banderas, Kristin Chenoweth, Whoopi Goldberg, Eric McCormack, Liza Minnelli, Sharon Stone and Elizabeth Taylor.

The 25th annual GLAAD Media Awards take place April 12 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.