Legendary broadcast journalist and inspirational out lesbian Robin Roberts will present the GSA of the Year Award to the Gay-Straight Alliance club of Park City High School in Park City, Utah, at the GLSEN Respect Awards on May 19 at NYC’s Gotham Hall.
“I am delighted to support GLSEN, an incredible organization that is working to end bullying and make schools safer for LGBT students,” Roberts said. “I’m particularly happy to lift up the leadership of students who fight for respect and dignity for all. My mother always said that ‘everybody’s got something,’ but I’ve experienced firsthand how we all also have something to give. And students like the ones GLSEN works with all across the country are truly putting that something to work in the service of a better world.”
Robin Roberts is the co-host of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning Good Morning America. She came out as a lesbian last year by acknowledging her longtime girlfriend, Amber Laign, in a Facebook post about gratitude. Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Her courageous and public battle has been recognized with awards and honors from organizations around the nation, including Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program and Gilda’s Club. Her new memoir, Everybody’s Got Something, about her struggle with MDS (Myelodysplastic syndrome), is a New York Times bestseller.
“I am so honored that Robin will be with GLSEN for our big night,” said Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN. “Robin has been an inspiration to me and so many others since her early days in broadcasting with ESPN right through her iconic tenure at GMA to her battles with cancer and her decision to come out publicly this winter. I am grateful she’ll bring that inspiration to our program, helping to honor heroes in the on-going battle for respect for all in our schools.”
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN’s research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.
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