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In his preamble to revealing Chavez as winner, Lopez referred to the power of music for “getting your ass on the dance floor” and for changing minds. With the Vito Russo award going to Ricky Martin in GLAAD’s New York ceremony, speculation was running high that Chavez would receive the San Francisco-based prize for “following in his footsteps.” In accepting the award for his first solo album Almas transparentes, the adorable and buff-looking Chavez said he was proud to be the kind of role model he didn’t have when he was 16 and struggling with his sexuality.

There was a mammoth list of fabulous winners at the ceremony, which was hosted by Glee’s gorgeous Naya Rivera. Writer and director Lisa Cholodenko accepted the award for the film The Kids Are All Right, which received the nod for Outstanding Film – Wide Release.  Academy Award-winner Dustin Lance Black was on hand to accept the award for Outstanding Documentary on behalf of 8: The Mormon Proposition, which he narrated. To the great joy of the show’s millions of fans, Project Runway won for Outstanding Reality TV show,  with the eccentric Mondo Guerra accepting .

“The media has a huge role in growing acceptance and understanding of gay and transgender people,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios.  “When Americans see images and stories like those presented by this year’s award recipients, more and more people side with equality for all.”

Naya Rivera, who plays Santana on Fox’s Glee, hosted the evening, and Cirque du Soleil performed an act from their show Zumanity for the capacity crowd.  Other guests and presenters at the event included:  Sara Ramirez (Grey’s Anatomy); Nelsan Ellis (True Blood); Dustin Lance Black (8: The Mormon Proposition); Louis Van Amstel (Dancing with the Stars); Mario Lopez (Extra); Gbenga Akinnagbe (Nurse Jackie); Tabatha Coffey (Tabatha Takes Over); Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All Right); Yigit Pura (Top Chef: Just Desserts); John Gidding (Designed to Sell); international rugby star Ben Cohen.

You can check out the acceptance speech Christian Chavez gave here:

And Mondo Guerra accepting for Project Runway: