The GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards in Los Angeles, an event that recognizes fair and inclusive representations of LGBTQ folk in the media, was held on Sunday. The New York GLAAD awards were on March 27. There will also be one in San Francisco and one in Miami. Why so many? If GLAAD could have it their way, there would be an awards ceremony in Duluth, Cincinnati, and Boise by 2007. That’s because a huge percent of GLAAD’s funding comes from these events that pander to Hollywood for support, money and legitimacy. In 2003, GLAAD received the bulk of its earnings (more than $6.5 million) from contributions, and $557,944 at Special Events. I’m not sure if Special Events means the awards, but if so, you can bet that number has increased significantly since 2003.

Not that that’s an all bad thing. As many a hetero celebrity is honored for playing gay/trans at these awards, actors like Charlize Theron take a public stance on same-sex marriage. Theron, who was honored at the LA GLAAD awards, says that she and her beau will not legally marry until the queers can.

The GLAAD awards will be aired on Logo for the second year, but surprisingly, will be aired on VH1 as well (for the first time). The actresses from my friend Alice Wu’s independent film “Saving Face” were among the list of those nominated which of course makes me proud and a little less annoyed that GLAAD awarded Will & Grace best comedy (I’m not one of those who foams at the mouth in hatred for the show but come on). Among other reasons, recognizing Will & Grace could be a real red flag for LGBTQ political thinkers who viewed this organization as an activist based media watchdog, and are apt to think twice before signing checks over to continue their support.