The award is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Behar joins the previously announced Cynthia Nixon, who will be presented with the Vito Russo Award by Michael Patrick King, producer of "Sex and the City." The award is named after a founding member of GLAAD and is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the LGBT community.

Tony Award-winning actor Alan Cumming will host the event. Oscar nominee Gabourey Sibide ("Precious") will open the show by presenting the Youth Pride Chorus, a choir of gay and lesbian teens from New York City. Presenters from the theatre include Rosie Perez, Sigourney Weaver, Sarah Paulson, Bryan Batt and Sandra Bernhard.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of LGBT issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD's work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality.

The Awards take place in New York City on March 13 at the Marriott Marquis. Tickets are available at www.glaad.org/mediaawards/21/ny.