LOS ANGELES – GLSEN, the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students, will honor Jess Cagle, Editorial Director of Time Inc.’s Celebrity, Entertainment and Style Group at GLSEN’s Respect Awards – Los Angeles to be held Friday, Oct. 21, at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills. Jess Cagle joins previously announced YouTube star and #Gamechanger Award recipient Connor Franta as an honoree for the event.
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, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
“I am thrilled to announce Jess Cagle as an honoree for the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards – Los Angeles,” said GLSEN Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard. “Jess is a committed advocate and philanthropist who advances our message of respect for all.”
Jess Cagle will be honored with the Visionary Award. His dedication to LGBTQ youth is evidenced by his participation in the GLSEN Respect Awards – Los Angeles year after year, as well as his ongoing philanthropy. In addition to his advocacy on behalf of GLSEN’s constituents, under his direction, People and Entertainment Weekly have brought attention to issues of race and gun violence among others in a way that demonstrates a commitment to GLSEN’s vision for a world where everyone is respected for who they are.
GLSEN has led the way on LGBTQ 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 with 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, and GLSEN’s Ally Week.
Previous GLSEN Respect Awards honorees have included Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel; Zachary Quinto; Julia Roberts and Danny Moder; Derek Hough; Matthew Morrison; NBC Chairman Bob Greenblatt; Jeffrey and Marilyn Katzenberg; Bob and Harvey Weinstein; former NBA player Jason Collins; Darren Star; Shonda Rhimes; Michele and Rob Reiner; Andrew Tobias; John Mack, CEO of Morgan Stanley; NBA executive Rick Welts; the National Education Association; Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak; Simon Halls and Matt Bomer; MTV; Disney-ABC Television; Johnson & Johnson; and HBO, as well as student leaders and educators from around the country.
Honorary co-chairs for the event include Matt Bomer and Simon Halls, Bob Greenblatt, Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chris McMillan, Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak, and Julia Roberts and Danny Moder.
Co-chairs for this year’s event are Jim Fielding, Dave Karger, Patrick Moran and Chip Sullivan. The event is co-hosted by Lawrence Angrisani, Greg Berlanti and Robbie Rogers, Brad Bessey and Frank Sanchez, Edison Briones, Kevin Brockman and Dan Berendsen, Jessica Capshaw and Christopher Gavigan, Terry Clark, Donald De Line, Matt Henry, Andrew Hotz and Kevin Friedman, Lauren Huff, Mike Irvin, Richard Konigsberg and Craig Olsen, George Kotsiopoulos, Carlos Lopez, Duncan Millership and Simon Thomas, Cody Morris and Christopher Landon, Corey Palent, Jonathan Rollo and Joey Gonzalez, Ben Roy, Mimi Slavin, and Ben Spector.
Sponsors of the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards – Los Angeles include Presenting Sponsors Wells Fargo, Target, and The Walt Disney Company.
For more information about the GLSEN Respect Awards – Los Angeles, please go here.
