GAY FRIENDLY FILMS AND SHOWS RECOGNISED

America’s Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has announced its selection of films and TV shows that offer “outstanding images of the LGBT community”.

Among the nominees for the annual GLAAD Media Awards are Tom Ford’s Golden Globe-nominated film A Single Man, the comedy I Love You, Man, the Golden Globe-nominated film Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, and Ang Lee’s latest film Taking Woodstock.

Smaller films that did not get a wide release in the US include Little Ashes, starring Robert Pattinson, Casi Divas, The Country Teacher, Phoebe in Wonderland and The Secrets.

TV dramas that were recognised for their positive gay characters or gay-friendly storylines are Mad Men, Brothers & Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy, Skins and True Blood.

Glee, Beautiful People, GREEK, Modern Family and United States of Tara were among the nominees in the Outstanding Comedy Series category.

“Words and images matter,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “With these awards, we seek to recognise news coverage and entertainment programming that go beyond stock stereotypes with LGBT storylines that more fully reflect the challenges gay and transgender people face and the aspirations we hold for ourselves and our families.

“News and entertainment media that present richer, more diverse representations help Americans understand and embrace their gay and transgender family members, friends and neighbours in a more meaningful way. We are proud to recognise all of this year’s GLAAD Media Awards nominees.”

TV shows without a regular LGBT character that were noted for an Outstanding Individual Episode include Private Practice and Supernatural.

The made-for-TV film Pedro and the BBC miniseries Torchwood: Children of Earth were also recognised.

GLAAD announced that openly-gay Sex and the City actress Cynthia Nixon will be honoured with the Vito Russo Award at the New York ceremony. The Vito Russo Award is named after a founding member of GLAAD and is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for our community.

Tony Award-winning actor Alan Cumming will host the ceremony in New York on March 13, 2010. The San Francisco event will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning comedian and writer Bruce Vilanch on June 5 at The Westin St. Francis. And the Los Angeles ceremonies will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on April.