Last night at GLSEN’s Respect Awards in New York City, Glee’s Matthew Morrison was honored with the Inspiration Award for portraying a shining example of the vital role a supportive educator can have in creating an affirming, positive and supportive school culture for LGBT students. Other honorees of the night included John Stryker, Desiree Raught and Johnson & Johnson.
Guests in attendance included Raven-Symoné, Anneliese van der Pol, Maulik Pancholy, Sutton Crawford, Rain Dove, Rain Pryor, Kevin Thomas and Kimberly Reed.
The GLSEN Respect Awards, introduced in 2004 and held annually in Los Angeles and New York, showcase the work of students, educators, individuals and corporations who serve as exemplary role models and have made a significant impact on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.
GLSEN has led the way on LGBT issues in K-12 education since 1990. Through ground-breaking original research, innovative program development, student leadership and educator training, community organizing, and targeted state and federal advocacy, GLSEN has seen the impact of its work through the development of educational resources, direct engagement of youth and educators, and national programs like GLSEN’s Day of Silence, GLSEN’s No Name-Calling Week, GLSEN’s Ally Week.
