Chaz Bono to be honored by GLAAD: “I hope that by sharing my story … I can help open hearts and minds”

Congratulations to Chaz Bono who will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at its Los Angeles GLAAD Media Awards Ceremony later this month.

GLAAD made the announcement this morning: Chaz has opened the door for countless others, reshaping the way Americans think about transgender people today,’ Acting GLAAD President Mike Thompson said. ‘His bold leadership in sharing his story as a transgender man, as well as his tireless work to secure equality for every American, embodies the values of GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award.’

Kolzak was a Los Angeles casting director who devoted the last part of his life to fighting homophobia and AIDS-phobia within the entertainment industry. The award named after him is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality.

‘I feel truly honored to be receiving GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak award this year, not only because of the work that I’ve done with the organization, but also because I fully believe in GLAAD’s mission,’ Bono said in a statement. ‘While I don’t feel like a role model, I hope that by sharing my story, which is just one in a very diverse community, I can help open hearts and minds on what it’s like to be a transgender person and the issues our community faces.’

Previous Stephen F. Kolzak honorees include Wanda Sykes, Rufus Wainwright, Melissa Etheridge, Bill Condon, Todd Haynes, Alan Ball, Ellen DeGeneres, Sir Ian McKellen and NBC Chairman of Entertainment Robert Greenblatt.