Andy Cohen Honored at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards (UPDATED)
The Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen host received the Vito Russo Award at the New York ceremony.
UPDATE (May 6, 2019, 10:22 a.m.): Andy shared that he was "very honored and humbled" while accepting the Vito Russo Award at the GLAAD Media Awards. "To be gay today is something that I am so thankful for, but it's a fight that's not over and it's a fight that I'm committed to even more so now that I'm a father," Andy said in his speech. "When Benjamin was born three months ago, I looked into his eyes and I saw there was no hate, no bias, no bigotry, just love. That's how we come into this world, and that is how hopefully one day we will all live in it."
Several of Andy's most cherished loved ones came out to show their support as the WWHL host received this great honor this weekend. In addition to Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy's famous friends Anderson Cooper and Sonja Morgan were also right by his side during his big night. Of course, Andy's parents, Evelyn and Lou Cohen, came to New York City to see their son accept this major award.
The original story continues below.
Congratulations are in order for Andy Cohen! The Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen host was honored with the Vito Russo Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City on Saturday, May 4.
Andy's longtime friend and LGBTQ ally Sarah Jessica Parker presented him with the Vito Russo Award during the ceremony, which was held at the New York Hilton Midtown. The award is presented to an openly LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in accelerating LGBTQ acceptance, according to GLAAD.
As the first out gay host of an American late-night talk show, Andy often uses his platform, from TV to books to his SiriusXM radio channel Radio Andy, to speak out on LGBTQ issues, including marriage equality, anti-transgender legislation, and hate violence against LGBTQ people. Andy has also been active in philanthropic efforts for LGBTQ causes, including raising more than $240,000 with Anderson Cooper for the OneOrlando Fund following the Pulse nightclub shooting in Florida in 2016 and serving as an ambassador for the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. He is also letting fans in on his journey and experience as a gay, single dad following the birth of his son, Benjamin Allen Cohen, in February.
Andy was just one of the many people honored at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Beyoncé and Jay-Z received the Vanguard Award, and Sean Hayes was honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the ceremony in Los Angeles on March 28. Madonna also received the Advocate for Change Award at the New York ceremony on May 4.
See Andy's call to fight hate with love following the shooting at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue in October 2018, below.
