LGBTQ activist Marcia Gay Harden is recognized for her work in support of the community.
GLSEN, the educational organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive schools and learning environments for LGBTQ youth, zeroed in on the Oscar-winning actress to receive an Advocate Award at its upcoming Respect Awards.
The fundraiser is scheduled to take place at Gotham Hall in New York on April 29. RuPaul’s Drag Race The Peppermint star is booked to host the show, which will feature appearances from Billy Porter, Anthony Rapp and GLSEN Board Chairman Wilson Cruz. Also during the event, community leader Brad Baumoel will receive a Movement Leader Award, Republic Records will receive a Visibility Award and Sophia T. will receive a Student Advocate Award.
In announcing the trophy for Harden, GLSEN explained that Harden had shown determination to elevate LGBTQ voices and advocate for the affirmation of legislation such as the Equality Act. Harden’s activism dates back to her role as a supportive mother of three children, all of whom identify and advocate for the LGBTQ community.
“I owe this award to my children, who push me every day to be a public force for change,” Harden said in a statement. “As I watched them flourish and become the dynamic individuals they became, I gained a redefined perspective on my own life. GLSEN’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ students comes at a crucial time when our LGBTQ+ children are under attack. We must now defend their freedom to form their own identity and perspectives, which must be cultivated with the greatest care. »
This benefit helps raise funds for GLSEN student programs, such as the Rainbow Library, which provides LGBTQ-affirming texts to students facing the reading ban. Guests will be treated to performances by Scarlet Opera and DJ Bright Light Bright Light. The Respect Awards – produced by Los Angeles-based live events and entertainment agency JJLA – is supported by Hollister, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Republic Records, NBA, WNBA, Meta, CBS, DeutscheBank and TransLash. Additional sponsors include Nickelodeon and Pair Eyewear.
