The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is set to honor Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos, as well as Ali Wentworth, Ilene Chaiken, and Optimedia with the GLSEN Respect Awards on May 23 in New York.
Stephanopoulos’ co-host on Good Morning America, Robin Roberts, will present the GLSEN Respect Award to the married couple.
GLSEN and the GLSEN Respect Awards
Founded in 1990, GLSEN is the leading voice on LGBT issues in K-12 education. Its main goal was to improve the American education system that frequently allows discrimination against LGBT students.
Over 25 years later, it is now the leading national education organization focusing on ensuring safe schools for all students.
Meanwhile, the GLSEN Respect Awards was introduced in 2004 and is held annually in Los Angeles and New York.
The Awards showcase the work of students, educators, individuals and corporations who serve as role models and have made significant impact on the lives of the LGBT community.
A couple for the GLSEN Respect Awards
Among the honorees, George Stephanopoulos is a founding member of The Next Generation Initiative: a leadership program aimed at getting students involved in public affairs.
The program provides integral mentorship, professional development and support services needed to jumpstart their careers and build lives centered on civic engagement and service.
His spouse, Ali Wentworth, is a member of the Board of Directors at the Children’s Defense Fund, which heightens the national conversation around social, health and economic disparities many of the youth face.
She is also on the Board of Directors of Baby Buggy, which provides families in need of crucial baby and child gear.
Together, the couple supports the Child Mind Institute and David Lynch Foundation to ensure the accessibility of spiritual, emotional and mental wellness services for youth.
Other honorees for the GLSEN Respect Awards
Ilene Chaiken is being honored for providing LGBT young people with role models and increasing visibility through positive media representations of LGBT people in her work.
In 2004, she created the Showtime series The L Word, which broke new ground depicting LGBT characters even while getting significant broadcast and critical acclaim.
Lastly, Optimedia is being honored for its leadership in media and business as a true ally to GLSEN and LGBT youth everywhere.
Optimedia has partnered with GLSEN for years to develop and place meaningful public service announcements and advertising that promote all aspects of GLSEN’s work.
Recognition from the GLSEN Respect Awards
Dr. Eliza Byard, GLSEN’s Executive Director, lauded the honorees of the upcoming awards.
“GLSEN is proud to recognize this year’s honorees, all of whom have played important roles in furthering our work and ensuring that LGBT youth have equal opportunities and access to the supports they need to be successful both in schools and out,” Dr. Byard said of the GLSEN Respect Award honorees.