Anderson Cooper to Receive GLAAD Award for LGBT Representation in Media

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation announced openly gay journalist Anderson Cooper will receive one of the most prestigious accolades at this year's GLAAD Media Awards.

Cooper will be honored with the Vito Russo award, presented to LGBT "media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality."

The ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 16 in New York City.

"By sharing his own experience as a gay man, Anderson has reminded millions of Americans that LGBT people are part of their everyday lives and an integral part of our cultural fabric," GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said in a statement.

"He continues to raise the bar and set a new standard for journalists everywhere, and I'm proud to call him a friend."

The 45-year-old CNN reporter and anchor publicly came out as gay last July in an open letter to former Daily Beast columnist Andrew Sullivan.

Sullivan wrote that, knowing that Cooper was gay, he asked him for his outlook on how the visibility of gay people was paramount for the LGBT community to gain full equal rights.

Cooper responded by coming out of the closet and explaining why he didn't publicly talk about his sexual orientation before.

"The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud," Cooper wrote.

Previous recipients include Sir Elton John, Ricky Martin and Rosie O'Donnell.