New York, NY, June 23, 2011 – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, announced today that veteran television news journalist and GLAAD Media Award nominee Jane Velez-Mitchell will join GLAAD staff and volunteers at the 2011 New York City Pride March.

"Media play a vital role in helping Americans understand that gay and lesbian people are just like them," said Velez-Mitchell. "That's why I'm proud to support GLAAD's work to share stories from the LGBT community and stand with them at this year's New York City Pride march."

"By including stories about LGBT people in their coverage, news professionals have a unique ability to increase understanding and acceptance of our community," said Herndon Graddick, GLAAD's Senior Director of Programs. "Jane Velez-Mitchell's steadfast commitment to reporting fairly and accurately about gay and transgender people makes her an industry leader and we're thrilled to march beside her at the 2011 New York City Pride march."

New York City's annual Pride March began in 1970 as a commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The March has since grown to become the oldest and one of the world's largest LGBT events. The 2011 Pride March will take place on Sunday, June 26.

This year, GLAAD continued its long-standing tradition of participating in Pride events across the country, leading advocates in Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco and Washington, DC.

"Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell" airs Monday – Friday at 7pm on HLN.