An Equal Site for Equal Rights

The 22nd annual Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) awards honored celebrities, both gay and straight, in New York on Saturday night.

Tina Fey recieved a GLAAD award on Saturday night for an episode of 30 Rock that dealt with LGBT issues. (AP)

According to the Huffington Post, the GLAAD awards honor those in all media who promote and support equal rights for the LGBT community. Actress Tina Fey, and rapper Russel Simmons were those receiving some of the night’s awards for both personal and professional advocacy.

However, it was 90s pop-sensation Ricky Martin that took home the night’s highest honor. Martin was given the Vito Russell award for increasing awareness of LGBT issues during the past year. During his speech, Martin said that his coming out process was “intense” but that the feeling of being completely honest in his identity is an amazing feeling.

For a full list of those honored this year, go to GLAAD.org.

A mother of an openly gay Iowa man videotaped her concern of gay issues in politics after being inspired by videos she had seen on YouTube. According to advocate.com, 80-year-old Jean Argus said that she feels politicians, particularly in her home state of Iowa, are using gay rights as a platform to further their political careers.

Argus went on to say that even though her son’s coming out to her made her angry, and question her performance as a mother, she loves her son and he is “precious” to her. In 2006, Argus even signed as a witness of her son’s marriage to his partner of over 30 years. In her video, Argus additionally encouraged those related to gay rights issues to realize that their children and fellow citizens are more than an issue, but are people just like everyone else.

You can watch Argus’ video below, and read more on the story from The Advocate.

Have you done anything to help the world lately? According to advocate.com a 7-year-old boy named Malcolm did his part, and getting a lot attention for it.

After hearing a story on the radio about the mistreatment of gays and lesbians, the seven-year-old chose to make a donation to the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the Human Rights Campaign. Malcom’s parents had given  him $140 and the choice of the charity that would receive it. Their hope was that Malcom would learn the importance of helping make the world a better place.

Malcolm’s mother included a letter in the donation to the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. She challenged the Center to raise $27,000 and make a donation in her son’s name. The Center accepted the challenge and said they would send Malcolm a “big thank you note” after the donation was made.

Read the full story at the Advocate.

7-year-old Malcolm and his note that reads “I am sending you this money because I don’t think it’s fair that Gay people are not treated equally.”