Anderson Cooper To Receive GLAAD's Vito Russo Award In New York

Anderson Cooper Tapped To Receive GLAAD's Highest Honor

Anderson Cooper will receive the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's (GLAAD) most prestigious honor this year.

The CNN anchor will accept the 2013 Vito Russo Award at the GLAAD Media Awards ceremony at New York's Marriott Marquis. As the New York Daily News points out, it will also mark the first time that Cooper, 45, has appeared at a public lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) related event since he came out in email to writer Andrew Sullivan last July.

"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," GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said in a statement. "He continues to raise the bar and set a new standard for journalists everywhere, and I'm proud to call him a friend."

The ceremony is set to be co-hosted by "Good Morning America" anchors Lara Spencer, Josh Elliott, and Sam Champion. Champion, who also publicly addressed his own sexuality for the first time in a New York Times article last year, tied the knot with longterm partner Rubem Robierb in December 2012.

Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, who are producing the 85th annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24, took home the Vito Russo Award in 2012. Other past recipients include Ricky Martin and Rosie O'Donnell.

Check out our picks for Anderson Cooper's 20 best moments since he came out below:

Favorite Anderson Cooper Moments Since His Coming Out

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