Hal Sparks To Host San Francisco Glaad Media Awards Gala

Presenters to include Alan Cumming, Tippi Hedren, Sharon Osbourne and Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom Megan Mullally and Clive Barker to receive special honors

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. (PRWEB) MAY 28, 2004--The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today announced that Hal Sparks, star of Showtimes Queer As Folk, will host the GLAAD Media Awards, San Francisco, presented by ABSOLUT VODKA to be held 5-9 p.m., Saturday, June 5, at the Westin St. Francis, in San Francisco.

According to Sparks, who rose to fame as the comedic host of E!s Talk Soup, he is extremely excited to be a part of this event at this point in time. I'm excited that in today's modern political climate that I get to show solidarity with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by being so involved in a GLAAD event," Sparks said.

Joining Sparks on stage will be a cadre of celebrity presenters. They include Alan Cumming (The Anniversary Party, Cabaret), Tippi Hedren (The Birds), Sharon Osbourne (The Sharon Osbourne Show) and San Franciscos First Lady Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom (CNNs 360 Degrees).

Megan Mullally (Will & Grace) and Clive Barker (Sacrament, Abarat) will both receive special honors. Mullally is set to receive the GLAAD GOLDEN GATE AWARD. This award is annually given in San Francisco to a member of the entertainment or media community who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Best-selling author Clive Barker will receive the GLAAD Davidson/Valentini Award. The award is named in memory of GLAAD's first executive director, Craig Davidson, and his partner (and GLAAD supporter), Michael Valentini. It is presented in San Francisco to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individual who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for LGBT community.

About the GLAAD Media Awards

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor the media for their presentation of fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect our lives. More than 100 corporate sponsors are showing their support, including ABSOLUT VODKA, which is returning to the Media Awards as the Presenting Sponsor. GLAAD is proud to acknowledge the 15-year commitment of Absolut to the Media Awards as the Founding Sponsor, and its 23 years supporting the LGBT community. The Michael Palm Foundation and Terry K. Watanabe are also major sponsors of the event. American Airlines (GLAAD's airline of choice), Anheuser Busch/Bud Light, Banana Republic, Coors Brewing Company and Motorola join the GLAAD Media Awards as the event's Underwriters. Starbucks Coffee and Autonomy Media are supporting the event as Gold Patrons.

Tickets

Tickets to the San Francisco GLAAD Media Awards can be purchased by contacting GLAAD Media Awards c/o Blue Room Events, 5777 West Century Blvd. Suite 1250, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (877) 252-7814 or (310) 491-1401, mediaawards@glaad.org.

About GLAAD

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

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