Pop star Madonna presented CNN’s anchorman Anderson Cooper with a US gay media watchdog's top award in recognition of his standing and accomplishment as an openly gay journalist.

Presenting the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) watchdog’s award to Cooper, Madonna up dressed yesterday (16 March) as a Boy Scout Of America, complete with a brimmed hat and sporting a blonde locks hairdo.

She called upon the organization to ‘change their stupid rules’ and end the ban on gay youth.

The upcoming GLAAD Media Awards instantly turned a little bit more fabulous-er. The media rights organization announced today (2 March) Madonna will make a presentation to Anderson Cooper.

Madonna will give the CNN reporter the Vito Russo Award on 16 March.

'From speaking out against bullying to raising support for marriage equality, Madonna has always been one of our community's strongest allies, said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick in a statement. 'We are honored to have her stand with GLAAD and Anderson Cooper.'

Filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz was afraid that a growing number of people had no idea who Vito Russo was.

But thanks to the acclaimed documentary Vito, which premieres tonight (23 July) on HBO, more people than ever will have a chance to learn about the man who authored The Celluloid Closet, the first book to critique Hollywood’s portrayals of gays on screen. He was a passionate advocate for justice and was at the forefront of the gay liberation movement and battle against AIDS for more than 20 years until his death in 1990.

Los Angeles's gay and lesbian film festival, Outfest, kicks off its 30th year tonight by honoring filmmaker John Waters and screening a documentary about activist and film historian Vito Russo.

Walters will be on hand to receive the 16th annual achievement award which has previously gone to Jane Lynch, Sir Ian McKellen, Gus Van Sant, Todd Haynes, and Bill Condon, among others.