Chaz gets Cher introduction for GLAAD Awards

Complete with afro wig, Cher took to the stage to introduce son Chaz Bono at the 23rd Annual GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards in LA at the weekend, where Bono received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award.

“I don’t have anything prepared — I’m so nervous because my pronouns for my child jump all over the fucking place,” Cher said.

“Chaz has the most courage of almost anyone I know. The other day I was having a big meltdown and Chaz said, ‘Are you going to come to the [GLAAD Media Awards],’ and I went ‘Chaz, you know, I’m not doing well right now’ and… he texted me and said ‘I turned into a very understanding, smart man and you can call on me.’ And it made me feel so good, like I could lean on someone. It touched my heart.”

The Stephen F. Kolzak Award is given to an openly LGBT personality who has worked toward eliminating homophobia or transphobia.

Bono thanked GLAAD for teaching him to see the media as “the greatest activist tool that we have at our disposal”.

Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson, who helped create the youth-oriented Straight But Not Narrow campaign, received the Vanguard Award from fellow actor Benicio del Toro.

See his moving acceptance speech below.

Full GLAAD Media Award recipients:

* Stephen F. Kolzak Award: Chaz Bono
* Vanguard Award: Josh Hutcherson
* Outstanding Film – Wide Release: Beginners (Focus Features)
* Outstanding Documentary: Becoming Chaz (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
* Outstanding Comedy Series: Modern Family (ABC)
* Outstanding Individual Episode: TIE: “Prom” Drop Dead Diva (Lifetime) and “Beards” Hot in Cleveland (TV Land)