Theron scoops top gay award: Charlize Theron has been hailed an inspiration for gay and lesbian people in America, scooping a top award in Los Angeles.

The actress was honoured with the prestigious Vanguard Award at the 17th annual media awards ceremony of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

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The 30-year-old, who won an Oscar in 2003 for her portrayal of lesbian serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster, was presented the award for increasing "visibility and understanding in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Last year, Theron promised to postpone her wedding to partner Stuart Townsend until gay and lesbian couples attained the legal right to marry in America.

Theron says: "I feel so fortunate that I am in a relationship with a wonderful man. I find it incredibly unfair that because of our sexual preference, we have the rights that we have, and that, because of someone else's sexual preference, they don't have those same rights."

Other winners on the night included Felicity Huffman's transgender movie Transamerica for outstanding film in limited release, lesbian TV drama The L Word for outstanding drama series and NBC's hit comedy Will & Grace for best comedy series.

Source: Ireland On-Line, 10 April 2006