Emmy-nominated actress Kerry Washington and soccer player Robbie
Rogers have been named honorary co-chairs of this year's GLSEN
Respect Awards to take place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Friday,
October 18.
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, works to
create a safe space in schools for children who are or may be
perceived to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
“GLSEN is on the front lines of keeping kids safe from bullying
in our schools,” said Washington, star of the ABC series Scandal.
“That's absolutely a cause that I support and believe in.”
Rogers, who came out gay earlier this year before joining the LA
Galaxy, added: “GLSEN levels the playing field for kids who are
bullied simply for being themselves. Any help I can lend to that
effort … any way I can make these kids' lives a little bit easier,
that's what I'm going to do.”
(Related: Robbie
Rogers receives ovation as he makes Galaxy debut.)