Sarah Jessica Parker to Present Michael Patrick King with Vito Russo GLAAD Award at Organization’s 40th Anniversary Gala

GLAAD, the nation’s leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization, has announced that Michael Patrick King, the celebrated writer, director, and producer behind cultural touchstones such as "Sex and the City" and "And Just Like That," will receive the Vito Russo Award at its 40th Anniversary Gala on Friday, October 10, in New York City. The award will be presented by none other than Sarah Jessica Parker, King’s longtime collaborator and friend, in what promises to be an emotional and historic moment for both the entertainment industry and the LGBTQ community .

The Vito Russo Award, named after GLAAD’s founder and ACT UP activist Vito Russo, is reserved for LGBTQ media professionals whose work has significantly advanced acceptance and representation . Previous honorees include prominent figures such as Billy Porter, RuPaul, Anderson Cooper, Ricky Martin, and George Takei, each recognized for their contributions to visibility and equality in media.

Michael Patrick King’s influence on LGBTQ representation is both deep and wide-reaching. Throughout his storied career, King has been instrumental in bringing complex, authentic LGBTQ characters and storylines into the mainstream, including in series like "Sex and the City," "And Just Like That," "Will & Grace," "AJ and the Queen," and "The Comeback" . His work has consistently challenged stereotypes and opened doors for LGBTQ visibility at a time when such representation was rare or even considered risky.

King’s impact has been celebrated by GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, who praised his longstanding commitment to “groundbreaking LGBTQ stories,” saying, “Michael Patrick King has brought humor, humanity, and authenticity to LGBTQ characters, raising the bar for inclusion in media and shaping culture at large” .

The 40th Anniversary GLAAD Gala is set to be a star-studded celebration, hosted by Emmy-winning television personality Ross Mathews. The event will feature appearances by "RuPaul’s Drag Race" stars Kandy Muse, Aja, and Dahlia Sin, as well as other notable figures in LGBTQ media and advocacy . The evening’s program will reflect on four decades of GLAAD’s work to secure fair, accurate, and diverse media portrayals for LGBTQ people, while honoring those whose work has played a pivotal role in advancing equality.

Sarah Jessica Parker, who famously starred as Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City" and reprised her role in "And Just Like That," will personally present King with the Vito Russo Award. The pair’s partnership on screen and behind the scenes has long been celebrated as a catalyst for conversations about gender, sexuality, and inclusion in American pop culture . Parker’s involvement in the ceremony underscores the significance of King’s contributions, not only as a creative force but as an ally and advocate for LGBTQ stories.

Michael Patrick King’s journey in entertainment began in New York’s theater scene and comedy clubs before he transitioned to Hollywood. He first earned critical acclaim for his work on "Murphy Brown" and later became a key creative voice on "Will & Grace," another series lauded for its LGBTQ representation . King’s writing, directing, and executive producing on "Sex and the City" and its sequel "And Just Like That" have earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards, as well as a reputation for pushing boundaries in the depiction of queer lives and relationships .

The recent conclusion of "And Just Like That" on HBO Max, which became the streaming service’s most-watched original series debut, marks a fitting capstone to King’s legacy of bringing LGBTQ stories to wider audiences . The show’s inclusion of new LGBTQ characters and nuanced exploration of contemporary queer experiences speaks to King’s evolving understanding of the community’s needs and stories .

Beyond television, King’s film work, including "Sex and the City" and its sequel, has grossed over $700 million worldwide, further amplifying his influence and the reach of LGBTQ-inclusive narratives .

Founded in 1985, GLAAD has become a powerful voice in advocating for LGBTQ inclusion across all forms of media. The Vito Russo Award, named in honor of its activist founder, highlights the importance of continued vigilance and progress in the face of ongoing challenges to LGBTQ rights and visibility . Each honoree is recognized not only for their professional achievements but for their role in advancing equality and acceptance within society at large.

Michael Patrick King’s receipt of the Vito Russo Award at this milestone gala is both a recognition of his past accomplishments and a call to action for future storytellers. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the need for authentic, diverse, and nuanced LGBTQ representation remains as critical as ever.

The announcement of King’s award has been met with widespread acclaim from both the entertainment community and LGBTQ advocates. His work has resonated with viewers of all backgrounds and identities, helping to foster empathy, understanding, and pride. As GLAAD celebrates its 40th anniversary, the organization’s commitment to supporting and elevating LGBTQ stories remains unwavering, with leaders like King serving as both inspiration and blueprint for the next generation of creatives .

The gala in October promises not only to celebrate King’s achievements but also to highlight the enduring power of media to change hearts, minds, and laws. With Sarah Jessica Parker presenting the award, the evening is poised to stand as a testament to both friendship and the transformative impact of inclusive storytelling.