Fridae

The following is an excerpt from ABS-CBN:

One of America's most powerful organizations held its annual awards night here.

From top: Darren Criss, Shay Mitchell, Alec Mapa

GLAAD, which stands for Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, recognizes fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or the LGBT community. 

Some of its prominent honorees and organizers were Filipinos. 

The hit television show Pretty Little Liars was nominated for best drama series, and one of its stars is Shay Mitchell, whose mom is Filipina. Mitchell is also Lea Salonga's niece. 

Mitchell said her portrayal of a gay teen on TV has allowed her to connect with teenagers all over the world who are going through the same challenges as her character, Emily. 

"I've gotten to speak to so many amazing young people about their feelings on the show and what they've been going through. Just hearing that my character has really helped them deal with their own issues and come out, that's been absolutely amazing," she said. 

Glee was a co-winner in best comedy series together with Modern Family. 

Filipino-American Darren Criss's on-screen partnership with Chris Colfer on Glee has been praised for its realistic and positive depiction of a gay relationship. 

In 2008, Filipino-American actor Alec Mapa was also honored by GLAAD.