This week the 18th GLADD media awards were held in New York. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor mainstream media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

Among the dozens of celebrities who turned out were Whoopi Goldberg, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Hudson, Rosie & Kelli O'Donnell & Cynthia Nixon.

At the ceremony, Jennifer Hudson presented the Excellence in Media Award to Patti LaBelle in recognition of LaBelle's strong support of full equality for the community and her work to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

"I am so honored that the gay and lesbian community honors me tonight because I have been with you for 45 years," LaBelle said in her acceptance speech. "I don't know why people discriminate against you. I don't know why people can't see you marrying...whatever you want to do, it should be accepted by the world."

Cynthia Nixon presented the Pioneer Award to comedian Kate Clinton. In 2006, Clinton celebrated her twenty-fifth year as an openly lesbian humorist and social commentator.

Actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg opened the show, and comedian Judy Gold performed for the capacity audience of 1,600. The event was televised on Logo, an MTV Network channel for the gay community. For information and links for photo's from the event, visit www.gladd.org