Theron wins gay understanding award

Charlize Theron has been awarded for promoting visibility and understanding of the gay community.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation honour comes after the actress won an Oscar for playing a lesbian serial killer in 2004. She has also spoken out in support of same-sex marriage rights.

On receiving the Vanguard Award in Los Angeles Theron said she recognised how lucky she was to be in a heterosexual relationship.

"I find it incredibly unfair that because of our sexual preference, we have the rights that we have," she explained. "Because of someone else's sexual preference, they don't have those same rights."

Sitcom Will & Grace was honoured as outstanding comedy series while Transamerica was also recognised.