GLSEN, the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students, will honor Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake with the Inspiration Award at GLSEN’s Respect Awards – Los Angeles to be held Friday, October 23, at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills.
In addition, past honorees Bob Greenblatt, Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg, Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak, and Julia Roberts and Danny Moder will return as honorary co-chairs to help celebrate GLSEN’s 25th anniversary.
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.
“We are thrilled to announce the honorees for the 2015 GLSEN Respect Awards – Los Angeles, two vocal and committed allies to the LGBT community who are also devoted to charitable works that improve the lives of youth,” said GLSEN Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard. “Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake have consistently been visible and committed allies. We are also happy to welcome back past honorees Bob Greenblatt, Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg, Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak, and Julia Roberts and Danny Moder. We are inspired and honored by their continued leadership and support for the GLSEN Respect Awards.”
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake will be honored with the Inspiration Award for their long-standing commitment to improving the lives of children. They have also been vocal supporters of the LGBT community, using their profiles to raise awareness among fans and advocate for positive changes.
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 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 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.
Co-chairs for this year’s event are Jim Fielding, Dave Karger and Chip Sullivan. The event is co-hosted by Greg Berlanti, Brad Bessey and Frank Sanchez, Edison Briones, Kevin Brockman and Dan Berendsen, Jess Cagle, Jessica Capshaw and Christopher Gavigan, Terry Clark, Donald De Line, Simon Halls and Matt Bomer, Mike Irvin, Richard Konigsberg and Craig Olsen, George Kotsiopoulos, Michael Lombardo and Sonny Ward, Corey Palent, Jonathan Rollo and Joey Gonzalez, Mimi Slavin, and Ben Spector.
