GLAAD to Honor Kristin Chenoweth and Ricky Martin

Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth and Broadway-bound singer Ricky Martin will receive special honors at this year's GLAAD Media Awards for their contributions to promoting equal rights and compassion for the LGBT community.

Chenoweth will be honored with the Vanguard Award at GLAAD's Los Angeles event on April 10. During Chenoweth's run in Broadway's Promises, Promises last year, the actress vocalized her anger with a Newsweek article that attacked her co-star Sean Hayes and gay actors' ability to play straight roles.

"When allies like Kristin take such powerful stands against anti-gay sentiment in the media, it sends an important message of equality," said GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios. "It is a privilege to honor such a talented and conscientious advocate for fairness towards the LGBT community."

Martin, who will return to Broadway in 2012 in a revival of Evita, will receive the Vito Russo Award at GLAAD's New York ceremony on March 19. The pop singer recently came out and wrote about his sexuality in his memoir, Me.

"Through his music, videos and interviews, Ricky has sent an important message that our community wants the same things all people do: an equal chance to raise our families and take care of our loved ones," Barrios said.