Daily Front Row

2012 January 10

Anna Honored as LGBT 'Ally'

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Anna Wintour
Patrick McMullan View Gallery

(NEW YORK) Anna Wintour has earned a new moniker—as an ally. The Vogue editrix will be honored on February 4 by the Human Rights Campaign, earning the organization's Ally for Equality award. Founded in 1980, the Human Rights Campaign is the largest U.S. advocacy group for LGBT rights, counting upwards of one million members. Wintour has been an advocate of the New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign, most recently attending a kickoff for the national campaign at Calvin Klein's Madison Avenue flagship at the end of November. She will receive the accolade from Glee creator Ryan Murphy at the organization's gala dinner. Previous Ally for Equality nods have gone to a diverse cadre of LGBT supporters including mayor Michael Bloomberg in October 2011 and singer P!nk in October 2010. 

“We recognize Anna Wintour for her grace, dignity, style, philanthropy, and generosity,” said HRC president Joe Solmonese in a statement, citing Wintour's involvement with marriage equality, HIV/AIDS awareness, and a PSA for the "It Gets Better" campaign. Back in May, when Wintour's video debuted, Solomonese hailed Wintour “as the preeminent voice in the global fashion industry and a publishing icon...[she] represents the best of New York. She knows the difference between a passing fad and an enduring brand. Equality is part of the New York brand.” Wintour's PSA was released alongside the likes of Mario Batali, Barbara Bush, and Sean Avery, and featured the Vogue-tte voicing her solidarity: “as far as I’m concerned, having the right to say ‘I Do’ is as fundamental as the right to vote." 
ALEXANDRA ILYASHOV