"I wanted to be a Boy Scout, but they wouldn't let me join," Madonna said while presenting Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award on behalf of GLAAD. "I think that's fucked up. I can build a fire. I know how to pitch a tent. I have a very good sense of direction. I can rescue kittens from trees. Listen, I wanna do it for the community." 

Check out Anderson's acceptance speech, Madonna smooch included: 

Not so long ago Anderson Cooper was publicly silent about being gay, but since coming out last summer, he's constantly in the headlines speaking about his homosexuality with unabashed honesty.

Leading up to his receiving the Vito Russo Award from GLAAD, Anderson gave an interview to The Huffington Post, where he talks about knowing he was gay his whole life, his brother's suicide and the honour of being awarded the Russo Award by Madonna, who he's a "huge fan" of.

"I've always known I was gay from the time I was a little kid," Anderson revealed. "I can't remember a time when I wasn't aware of it, even before I knew what it was or the name of it. If you feel like an outsider, you tend to observe things a lot more. Early on I felt very much like an observer, because I knew I was gay, I knew I was somehow different."

It was his feelings of being an outsider and his devastation over the suicide of his brother that inspired his career in journalism. "If you learn the language of loss early," Anderson said, "I think you seek out others who have experienced the same thing, who speak that same language of loss."

Anderson's brother, Carter, killed himself as a teenager by jumping off the balcony of his family's home in New York in front of his mother, the legendary socialite and author Gloria Vanderbilt.  

The 24th annual GLAAD Media Awards will be hosted by Good Morning America's Sam Champion, Lara Spencer and Josh Elliott on March 16 in New York City. "I certainly don't think I'm worthy of it," Anderson said of being honoured with the award, which is given to an individual who has promoted equality for the LGBT community. "But if it helps GLAAD and if it helps have more people know who Vito Russo is, then I think it is certainly worthwhile." 

For more about Russo, check out the trailer for the 1995 documentary film based on his book The Celluloid Closet, which shows the history of how Hollywood has portrayed gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters:

It's been announced that Madonna will be presenting Anderson Cooper the Vito Russo Award at the 24th annual GLAAD Media Awards, to be held at the New York Marriott Marquis on March 16. The award, which is named after the revered HIV/AIDS activist and GLAAD co-founder, is granted to an individual who has made a significant difference in promoting equality. It has previously been given to Rosie O'Donnell, Ricky Martin, Cynthia Nixon and Alan Cumming.

GLAAD president Herndon Graddick had this to say about Anderson receiving the award:

By sharing his own experiences as a gay man, Anderson has reminded millions of Americans that LGBT people are part of their everyday lives and an integral part of our cultural fabric. “He continues to raise the bar and set a new standard for journalists everywhere, and I’m proud to call him a friend.

And here's Graddick on Madonna: 

Madonna has been a passionate spokesperson and long time supporter of gay rights. She has embraced  LGBT people around the world on many occasions. From speaking out against bullying to raising support for marriage equality, Madonna has always been one of our community’s strongest allies. We are honored to have her stand with GLAAD and Anderson Cooper.

What better way to ring in 2013 than with a blowjob? That was Kathy Griffin's thought while filming CNN's live New Year's Eve coverage, so she tried to go down and kiss Anderson's "sardine." And really, who can blame the crazy bitch?