Annual GLSEN Respect Awards recognizes the efforts of LGBTQIA role models, honors actress Rosario Dawson among others
GLSEN, previously known as Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network hosted its annual GLSEN Respect Awards – New York on May 23 at Cipriani 42nd Street. The event honored actress Rosario Dawson, Hollister Co., Stephanie Byers and E.O. Green Junior High School and David Henry Jacobs.
Dawson was awarded the Inspiration Award, Hollister Co., which is a brand of the clothing retail giant Abercrombie & Fitch, received the Corporate Ally Award, Stephanie Byers received GLSEN's Educator of the Year Award and E.O. Green Junior High School received GLSEN's GSA of the Year award.
The event was star-studded, with attendees like Kerry Butler, Angelica Ross, Cheech Manohar, Isis King, Miss J Alexander, Laith Ashley, Nico Tortella, Molly Bernard, Tarana Burke, Kaia Burke, Valerie Smaldone and LGBTQIA+ Desmond the Amazing gracing the red carpet.
The US-based education organization works towards creating safer environments for kids who fall under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. They work towards creating and promoting inclusivity in K-12schools. GLSEN's mission states the organization seeks to end discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in these schools.
The Respect Awards were introduced in 2004. Held annually in Los Angeles and New York, the award show aims to honor those exemplary role models and have made a significant impact on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. These include work of student leaders, educators, community organizers, influencers as well as corporations.