The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives.  

Anderson Cooper presented the Excellence in Media Award to Kelly Ripa. Thomas Roberts received the Vito Russo Award from actress Lynda Carter. Comedian Ross Mathews hosted the event. Guests included: Jeffrey Tambor, Judith Light, Jussie Smollett, Trace Lysette (Transparent); Rupert Friend (Homeland); Jonathan Groff (Looking); Laverne Cox, Dascha Polanco (Orange Is the New Black); Janet Mock (So Popular!); Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt); Karla Mosley,Scott Turner Schofield, Crystal Chappell (The Bold and the Beautiful); out NBA player Jason Collins; out football player Michael Sam; out trans model Andreja Pejić; Monifah Carter (R&B Divas: Atlanta); out country singer Ty Herndon; Antigone Rising’s Kristen Henderson; GLAAD National Spokesperson Omar Sharif, Jr., and GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.