Ricky Martin to receive gay honour

Singer Ricky Martin is to receive an award from a prominent US gay and lesbian group, it has been announced.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today announced it will honour Grammy Award-winning singer Ricky Martin and Emmy-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth at the GLAAD Media Awards.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognise and credit media outlets for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Ricky Martin will receive the Vito Russo Award, named after one of GLAAD's founders, and is presented to a person who has made an important difference to the way the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is regarded.

The Puerto Rican star came out to his fans via Twitter last year and has continued to encourage acceptance of the gay community in his work.

GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios, said: "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."