NEW YORK – GLAAD has announced that it will honor singer, songwriter, record producer and actress Mariah Carey at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York at the Waldorf Astoria New York May 14. Academy Award-nominated director Lee Daniels will present Carey with the award.
The 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Delta Air Lines, Hilton, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories from the LGBT community and issues that build support for equality and acceptance.
Mariah Carey is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer with more than 200 million albums sold. Her numerous accolades include three Grammy Awards, 21 American Music Awards, Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” Award, the World Music Award for “World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” and BMI’s “Icon Award” for her outstanding achievements in songwriting.
Carey will receive GLAAD’s Ally Award, which is presented to a media figure who has consistently used their platform to support and advance LGBT equality and acceptance. Previous GLAAD Media Awards honorees include Elizabeth Taylor, Patti LaBelle, Janet Jackson, Russell Simmons, Cher, and more.
Carey has long embraced her LGBT fanbase worldwide, consistently sending messages of support in media interviews and gracing the cover of OUT Magazine. She has participated in GLAAD’s annual anti-bullying campaign, Spirit Day, wearing purple to show her support for LGBT youth.
In addition to appearing in the LGBT-inclusive film Precious, the global superstar has tirelessly voiced her support for marriage equality. Carey has also spoken lovingly about the important role a gay couple played in her childhood, saying they were “my template for a great relationship.” During a concert in 2009, she brought a gay fan onstage to propose to his boyfriend.
A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has devoted her time to a range of philanthropic causes near to her heart, including Save the Music, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, among many others. A tremendous supporter of children’s charities, both domestic and international, she founded Camp Mariah in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund, a retreat for inner city children to explore career development.
This summer, Carey will kick off the second year of her headlining residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Her much anticipated docu-series, “Mariah’s World” will air on E! later this year and will feature an intimate look at the world-renowned icon, including her family, friends and inner circle who keep her at the top of her game. The show will air globally across E!’s 17 international channels reaching 153 countries in 24 languages.
“Through her music and outspoken support, Mariah Carey has inspired and empowered countless LGBT fans across the globe,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “She is a longtime ally and friend to the LGBT community who has worked tirelessly to move acceptance and inclusion forward.”
GLAAD previously announced that Robert De Niro will receive the Excellence in Media Award at the New York ceremony. Emmy Award-winning actress and producer Laverne Cox will host the event. Additional special guests for the GLAAD Media Awards in New York to be announced.
