The award will be presented at PFLAG's second annual Straight for Equality Awards Gala, which will be held at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Jody M. Huckaby, PFLAG National's executive director, said in a recent statement, "Liza Minnelli is the quintessential straight ally — she has been an outspoken supporter of equality for LGBT for her whole life, and her tremendous and ongoing philanthropy in the fight against AIDS has made her a very public advocate of the many individuals and their families who have been affected by the disease. Her enormous talent makes her iconic, and her steadfast support for the LGBT community makes her an ally. We are so honored to be able to present her with the 2010 Straight for Equality in Entertainment Award."

Minnelli stated, "As someone who has been supported and touched by the LGBT community for my entire life, I can't imagine being anything but an out and proud straight ally who doesn't fear speaking up to anyone. The Straight for Equality award means so much to me — it helps me know that what I've done and said has changed things for people."

Straight for Equality is a project of PFLAG National that was launched in 2007 to "invite, educate, and empower straight allies to demonstrate their support for their LGBT friends and family." The Straight for Equality in Entertainment Award was designed to "honor a performer and/or artist who has a history of advocating for equality for LGBT people." The first award was presented in 2009 to actress Sigourney Weaver.

Prior to Liza's at the Palace. . ., Minnelli, an Oscar winner for her performance in Cabaret, was last on Broadway in a tribute to her late father entitled Minnelli on Minnelli; she also returned to New York City's Beacon Theatre with her acclaimed concert Liza's Back! In addition to her Tonys for Flora, the Red Menace and The Act, Minnelli was awarded a special Tony in 1974 for "adding lustre to the Broadway season." Her film credits include "The Sterile Cuckoo," "Arthur," "New York, New York" and "Stepping Out." The singer is also a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress. Her album "Liza's Back!" is available on the J Records label, and "The Best of Liza Minnelli" was released on the Columbia/Legacy label. Showtime aired "Liza with a 'Z'," and Minnelli also received the Julie Harris Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 10th Annual Tony Awards Bash in Los Angeles. For more information visit www.straightforequality.org.

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Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is the nation's foremost family-based organization committed to the civil rights of gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender people. To learn more visit www.pflag.org.