At the ceremony, American Idol judge Randy Jackson and actor Alec Mapa presented the Vito Russo Award to Brian Graden.  The Vito Russo Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the LGBT community.

Also at the event, lesbian entertainer Kate Clinton presented the Excellence in Media Award to Judy Shepard in recognition of Shepard's work to promote full equality for the LGBT community through the Matthew Shepard Foundation.  The Excellence in Media Award is presented to individuals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community in the media.

Barbara Walters accepted a GLAAD Media Award for the 20/20 piece "My Secret Self: A Story of Transgender Children," which shared the award for Outstanding TV Journalism–Newsmagazine with "Don't Ask Don't Tell" from 60 Minutes.  Presenter Mariska Hargitay accepted on behalf of 60 Minutes.  Episcopalian Bishop V. Gene Robinson and director Daniel Karslake accepted the award for Outstanding Documentary for For the Bible Tells Me So.  And co-writer and producer Gal Uchovsky accepted for The Bubble, recipient of the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Limited Release.

Loretta Devine and Anika Noni Rose presented a Special Recognition award to the cable network BET J for its LGBT-inclusive programming, and executive producer Sean Johnson accepted the award for the network.

Other guests and presenters at the event included:  Anthony Rapp; Cheyenne Jackson (Xanadu); Van Hansis, Jake Silbermann, Tala Ashe (As the World Turns); Caroline Rhea (Sordid Lives: The Series); Gideon Glick and Stephen Karam (Speech and Debate); Eduardo Xol (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition); Maurice Jamal (Dirty Laundry); Keith Boykin and Nathan Hale Williams; Staceyann Chin (My Two Cents); Michael Huffington; Cynthia Wade (Freeheld); Malcolm Ingram (Small Town Gay Bar); Josie Smith-Malave (Top Chef); and Malan Breton (Project Runway).  Guests at the after-party enjoyed the music of renowned DJ Junior Vasquez.

Additional awards will be presented in South Florida on April 12 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Los Angeles on April 26 at the Kodak Theatre, and in San Francisco on May 10 at the San Francisco Marriott.

For a complete list of award recipients [more]
New York press release [more]
New York photo gallery [more]