What straight ally deserves an award?

“Liza Minelli. I adore her. She’s a fabulous lady. I loved her as Lucile in ‘Arrested Develop-ment.’ When she speaks out for the gay community, people listen. I know I do. I’ve always been a big supporter of LGBT rights. Liza Minelli just reinforces my beliefs.”

“Prince Charles, Prince William and his wife Kate. They’ve made nice gestures of support on behalf of the LGBT community. I was impressed when Prince Charles had Elton John sing at Princess Diana’s funeral. Then, William and Kate invited Elton John and his husband David Furnish to their wedding. That had a big impact on people. It was seen as an indirect endorsement of the LGBT movement.”

“Madonna. I’m a huge fan. She’s so inspiring. She really takes care of herself. If I look as good as she does when I’m 55, I’ll be delighted. I’ve always respected Madonna for her work for people of the LGBT community and people with AIDS.”

“Chelsea Handler and Kathy Griffin. Humor has a way of making people less freaked out about a subject. They’re helping people relate to the LGBT community by humanizing the issue. In that sense, they’re winning over converts to the cause.”