Janet Jackson's lesbian honor

Janet Jackson will be honored by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) this month.

The 'Feedback' singer is set to be recognized by the organization for working to combat prejudice against sexuality in the music industry. She will be presented with the Vanguard Award by US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres at the organization's Media Awards in Los Angeles' Kodak Theatre on April 26.

Janet said: "I have received a number of awards throughout my career, but I am so proud to be receiving the Vanguard Award from GLAAD.

"Since its inception in 1985, GLAAD has taken the lead in making sure that people will no longer be judged by their gender identity or sexual orientation. I applaud them for their continued work and thank them for this honor from the bottom of my heart."

Neil G. Giuliano, President of GLAAD, added: "We are delighted to honor Janet Jackson at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles as such a visible, welcoming and inclusive ally of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

"Ms. Jackson has a tremendous following inside the LGBT community and out, and having her stand with us against the defamation that LGBT people still face in our country is extremely significant."

Previous recipients of the Vanguard Award include Charlize Theron, Antonio Banderas, Liza Minnelli and Whoopi Goldberg.

Threesomes Are 'cool' As I Think : Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson - who has been dating record producer Jermaine Dupri since 2002 - sings about the experience of having sex with multiple partners on her new album 'Discipline'.

The 'Together Again' star said: "I think whatever you're into, as long as you both are into it, it's cool."

Janet also pleaded with people not to be so critical of troubled singer Britney Spears.

She said: "I really don't think it's fair for people to be so judgmental because we don't know what young actors and musicians are feeling."

She added to US TV show 'Extra': "You read what people want you to know or want you to think but no-one really know what's going on in her heart and soul and her mind. The only way you could understand a glimpse of what she is going through would be to sit down and speak to her."