ER actress wins gay icon award

Actress Laura Innes received this year’s Artistry Award from the gay rights organisation Power Up for her portrayal of a gay character in the hit medical drama ER.

Innes, who plays Dr Kerry Weaver in the TV series show, said: “I hope her inclusion in prime time helps break down barriers of prejudice and injustice on-screen and off.”

The Power Up organisation promotes the visibility and integration of gay women in entertainment.

Also honoured were the Bravo Network and Judith Light, a two-time Emmy actress, for Light’s portrayal of the mother of Ryan White, the boy who was ostracised by his school after being diagnosed with HIV.