San Francisco – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, today announced that television host Ross Mathews would receive the Davidson/Valentini Award at the 2018 GLAAD Gala San Francisco at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on Saturday, September 15, 2018. The GLAAD Gala San Francisco celebrates and features storytellers who accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ community.

For more information on the GLAAD Gala San Francisco, visit: https://www.glaad.org/events/2018/sfgala

GLAAD’s Davidson/Valentini Award is presented to an LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ community. The award is named after Craig Davidson, GLAAD's first executive director, and his partner Michael Valentini. Previous award recipients Don Lemon, Lee Daniels, Adam Lambert, Hannah Hart, Sandra Bernhard, Alec Mapa, Tyler Oakley, B.D. Wong, and Ilene Chaiken, among others.

“Throughout his storied career in television, Ross Mathews has brought his undeniable wit and humor – along with LGBTQ visibility – to audiences around the globe,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO. “By his work and appearances across different networks and genres, he truly embodies the spirit of the Davidson/Valentini Award.”

Mathews has hosted several GLAAD Media Awards as well as the GLAAD Gala San Francisco in previous years. Since 2001, he has established himself as one of the most in-demand television personalities hosts and pop culture experts in entertainment today. Mathews has won the hearts of millions of Americans since his television debut as a correspondent for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Currently, Mathews is a regular judge on VH1's Emmy-winning hit show RuPaul's Drag Race and was voted “America’s Favorite Houseguest” on the inaugural season of Celebrity Big Brother.  In addition to his work on television, Mathews is a best-selling author with his book Man Up and can be heard weekly on his top-rated podcast “Straight Talk with Ross Mathews” where he gives his hilarious take on the latest entertainment news and gossip.

To view Ross Mathews hilarious monologue from the 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGvoEH0rcas

GLAAD Gala San Francisco is made possible by sponsorships from Gilead, Ketel One Family-Made Vodka, and Wells Fargo. To receive the latest updates on GLAAD Gala San Francisco, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #thisismystory