Kerry Washington to be Honored by GLSEN for LGBTQ Advocacy Work

Share the Love

GLSEN, an advocacy organization that focuses on creating LGBTQ-inclusive schools, will honor actress and producer Kerry Washington at the 2017 GLSEN Respect Awards on October 20^th.

She will receive the Inspiration Award, which recognizes her years of LGBTQ+ activism, reports the GLSEN website.

Washington was part of a tribute video produced by the Human Rights Campaign for the victims of the Orlando Pulse massacre. In the video, 49 celebrities read the names and stories of each Pulse victim. Washington paid tribute to Akyra Murray, the youngest victim of the attack.

Washington also advocated for marriage equality and greater LGBTQ+ student support in schools. She participated in President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, helping to ensure arts education in all schools.

She also advocates for victims of domestic violence.

According to Elizabeth Byard, GLSEN’s Executive Director, “Her incredible activism focuses on uplifting everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality and class, to have an equal opportunity to succeed in schools and communities around the country.”

Washington herself said she was honored to receive the award, and added, “I’m also excited to help celebrate GLSEN’s fearless student leaders who help make a difference in their schools and communities. These impressive high schoolers are accomplishing more than most people do in a lifetime!”

Read the GLSEN article here.