Meredith Vieira Helps NLGJA Celebrate 25 Years of LGBT Media Advocacy

As always, had a hoot at the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association's annual Headlines and Headliners benefit gala, which raised tens of thousands of dollars for the organization's programs and scholarships for aspiring LGBT journalists. 

Returning host Meredith Vieira was in fine form, as usual, reminding guests that it's the organization's 25th anniversary: "Wow. Twenty-five, you know what that means -- too young to run for president and too old to date Andy Cohen." 

She went on to explain about a small snafu in her arrival: “I almost didn’t make it here tonight. I went in the wrong door and ended up at the Museum of Sex. Turns out that’s where the after-party is. If you don’t know, the password is Jeff Zucker or as most people refer to him, 'Mother Zucker.'" 

On a slightly more serious note, Vieira continued: "Now, more than ever, our business boasts a field of prominent Out and proud gays in key positions: Robin Roberts, Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon, Thomas Roberts, Rachel Maddow, Sam Champion and of course America’s closeted sweethearts, Kathie Lee and Hoda.” 

And then things got real: "The transgender community continues to make strides to gain greater acceptance with more portrayals in the mainstream media. This past year we saw Laverne Cox make history as the first transgender person to grace the cover of Time magazine, the series “Transparent” on Amazon won two Golden Globes and next week Bruce Jenner breaks his silence in an interview with Diane Sawyer about what many expect to be an open conversation about his transitioning…It is because of organizations like NLGJA that push for fair and accurate coverage of the LGBT community that we are where we are today, continuing to educate decision makers in newsrooms to sensitively cover the issues confronting each and every one of us."

Special guest Tyson Beckford gave the audience of media professionals some good advice ...

Always have a career backup plan ...

Here I am with journalist/DJ Jeremy Blacklow and Towleroad's Michael Goff

... and with NY1 theater reporter Frank DiLella, who has great taste in ties 

All in all, another great night for a great cause. To learn more about NLGJA, please click HERE.