Lady Gaga lauded as charity hero

Lady Gaga was the guest of honour at the Trevor Project's annual gala on Sunday (04Dec11) for her efforts championing gay rights.

The Poker Face hitmaker, a vocal campaigner for equal rights, was handed the suicide prevention organisation's Hero Award for encouraging youth empowerment through her Born This Way Foundation.

Accepting her prize to a standing ovation, Gaga declared, "This means more to me than any Grammy I could ever win."

Zachary Quinto, who revealed earlier this year (11) that he is gay, and lesbian actress Amber Heard were also recognised at the Hollywood ceremony for raising awareness of equal rights.

In a post on his Twitter.com page, Star Trek actor Quinto writes, "Such a moving and inspiring evening at trevor live with TrevorProject and many friends! enormous heaps of gratitude!"

Mary J. Blige, LeAnn Rimes, Miley Cyrus and Glee star Amber Riley were among the performers at the event, while Amy Adams, Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer helped host the bash.