YouTube star Connor Franta will be honored at the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards, organizers announced Tuesday.
The 23-year-old performer is part of the first batch of honorees due to his commitment to youth welfare and LGBTQ advocacy. While creating online content seen by his 5.6 million subscribers, he has also elevated GLSEN programs and is also collaborating with GLSEN on a charitable campaign in partnership with
“It is such a pleasure to announce the first of our honorees for the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards – Los Angeles,” said Dr. Eliza Byard, GLSEN executive director. “Connor Franta has carried the message of respect to millions of young people online, and his authentic self-expression is the type that we envision for all of the youth we serve.”
GLSEN is a national education organization that focuses on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students. The Respect Awards were introduced in 2004 and are held annually in Los Angeles and New York, showcasing the work of students, educators and corporations that have made an impact on the lives of the LGBTQ community.
Past honorees have included Matt Bomer and Simon Halls, Bob Greenblatt, Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak. Julia Roberts and Danny Moder will return as honorary co-chairs for the event this year, held on Oct. 21 at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills.
Other honorees have included Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, Shonda Rhimes, Disney-ABC Television and HBO.