2013 GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles GLAAD Media Awards were held last night:

The event, hosted by actress-producer-director Drew Barrymore, boasted such Hollywood heavyweights as presenters Jennifer Morrison, Charlize Theron, Betty White and Leonardo DiCaprio. Other winners included “Perks of Being a Wallflower,” which was named outstanding film: wide release, and former President Bill Clinton was given the first Advocate for Change award.

On the arrivals line, longtime Clinton friend, Oscar-winner Mary Steenburgen, defended the former president’s controversial honor. Under Clinton’s administration came the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of same-sex marriage, as well as the “don’t ask, don’t tell” military policy.

“Actually, (”don’t ask, don’t tell”) was a sorrow for him,” Steenburgen said. “So, I think he’s spent a large part of his life making up for that. But I tell you this: He’s never not had his heart in the right place, in terms of the gay community.”

"I believe you will win the DOMA fight and I think you will win the constitutional right to marry," Clinton said. "If not tomorrow, then the next day and the next day."

President Clinton added, "When you have won marriage equality everywhere, ask yourself, 'How in the world do we ever win a great cultural battle and we can't even pass ENDA?' What is wrong with this picture?"