SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Actress Sharon Stone has been recognized by the National Center for Lesbian Rights for her support of gay and lesbian civil rights.

Stone, who has helped raise millions of dollars for AIDS research and has portrayed lesbian characters in her movies, received the NCLR Spirit Award at the organization’s 27th anniversary celebration April 24 in San Francisco.

“Sharon Stone has a very long history of leadership and involvement with volunteer groups,” said Ruth Harris, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco-based center.

Stone’s contributions include raising money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research, founding the homeless youth camp Planet Hope, and working with Project Angel Food, a Los Angeles County program that brings food to homebound victims of AIDS.