It is one of several categories of the annual GLAAD Media Awards, which are presented by GLAAD—an American non-governmental media monitoring organization founded in 1985, formerly called the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation—at ceremonies in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco between March and June.
That year also saw a tie, with Fox's Melrose Place and ABC's One Life to Live winning; the only instance when a soap opera won the award.
For a drama series to be eligible, it must include at least one LGBT character in a leading, supporting, or recurring capacity.
Dramatic programs created by and for an LGBT audience must be submitted in order to be considered for nomination, as GLAAD does not monitor such works for defamation.
[4] Winners are determined by a plurality vote by GLAAD staff and board, Shareholders Circle members,[a] as well as volunteers and affiliated individuals.