Naya Rivera To Host San Francisco's GLAAD Media Awards

By Michael Lopez

Who knew Latinos had such a strong connection to GLAAD? Not only is the gay rights organization's President a Cuban-American, its upcoming San Francisco Media Awards has booked a host of Hispanic talent. Glee’s Naya Rivera is set to MC the event and special guests will include Sara Ramirez and Mario Lopez.

Set to take place May 14, the gala will honor Sex and The City’s Kim Cattrall with the prestigious Golden Gate Award. As GLAAD prez Jarrett Barrios put it, she’s contributed quite a bit to the furthering the cause of gay equality.

"Kim has not only grown acceptance of our community through story lines on shows like Sex and the City, but used her platform to speak out for equality," Barrios said. "We are proud to honor such a talented and passionate advocate."

Naya has also become quite the advocate herself. Since it was discovered that her Glee character, Santana Lopez, was actually a closeted lesbian, Rivera has become an outspoken role model for young people in the gay community.

And we all remember that famous girl-on-girl kiss between Sara Ramirez and Brooke Smith on Grey’s Anatomy. It was seen by millions of people and helped usher in a new wave of "outed" characters on TV. Unfortunately, the newest primetime Latina to lock lips with another woman will not be at the event, but we certainly expect to see her on the honoree list for 2012.

Which Latinos do you think deserve to be honored by GLAAD? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Celebrities, Cultura, Events, GLAAD, Hot Stuff, Jarrett Barrios, Kim Cattrall, Mario Lopez, Naya Rivera, Sara Ramirez