FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 MEDIA CONTACT: Matthew Nehmer

May 9, 2001

(202) 994-6467

TIPPER GORE, AARON SORKIN, MARGARET CHO, MARGOT KIDDER, AND JUDITH LIGHT TO APPEAR AT GW FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS MAY 12

Honorees Include NBC's The West Wing, Actor Harvey Fierstein and the Human Rights Campaign's Concert Equality Rocks
EVENT

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) presents the 12th Annual Media Awards. Honorees include actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein, who will receive "The Capitol Award" for his work to promote equal rights in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Tipper Gore will be on hand to present a "Special Recognition Award" to the Human Rights Campaign's concert event Equality Rocks. NBC's The West Wing will also be honored with a "Special Recognition Award" for its role in bringing LGBT issues to the public. The GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Absolute Vodka.

Other award presenters scheduled to attend include The West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, actors Margot Kidder, Judith Light, Mitchell Anderson and Law and Order's Epatha Merkerson, Michael Kahn of the Shakespeare Theater and comedian and musician Lea Delaria. Comedian Margaret Cho will host the event.

WHEN

 Saturday, May 128:00 p.m.

WHERE

The George Washington UniversityLisner Auditorium730 21st Street, NWWashington, D.C.

COST

For ticket information contact Levy, Pazanti & Associates at (888) 655-6529 or (310) 655-6529 or at www.glaad.org.

BACKGROUND:

The GLAAD Media Awards were created to honor individuals and projects in the media and entertainment industries for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives. GLAAD was formed in New York in 1985 and began by protesting The New York Post's coverage of AIDS. Its mission was to improve the public's attitudes toward homosexuality and put an end to violence and discrimination against lesbians and gay men. The Los Angeles chapter was formed in 1988 with subsequent chapters formed in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, San Francisco and National Capital Area. 

Preceding the awards will be a celebrity photo shoot beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue. Media interested in covering the GLAAD Media Awards should contact Colleen Dermody at (202) 887-0500 Ext. 18.

-- GW --