charlize theron deemed an inspiration for gays and lesbians

By Tashi Singh (Postchronicle)

April 12, 2006: Hollywood actress Charlize Theron has been deemed a gay and lesbian inspiration in America, claiming the top Vanguard Award Saturday night in Los Angeles (4-8-06), according to a published report.

The 30-year-old actress was priveledged with the high-status award at the 17th annual media awards ceremony for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (Glaad).

Charlize, who was awarded with an Oscar in 2003 for her depiction of a lesbian serial killer in the film 'Monster', was honored for increasing "visibility and understanding in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community."

In the year 2005, the actress vowed to put her wedding to Stuart Townsend on hold until gay and lesbian lovers achieved the legal right to tie the knot in America.

She says, "I feel so fortunate that I am in a relationship with a wonderful man."

"I find it incredibly unfair that because of our sexual preference, we have the rights that we have, and that, because of someone else's sexual preference, they don't have those same rights."

Other winners included: NBC's 'Will & Grace' for best comedy series, Felicity Huffman's movie 'Transamerica' for outstanding film in limited release, and lesbian television drama 'The L Word' for outstanding drama series.