Rick Welts To Be Honored By LGBT Rights Advocate GLAAD
- By
- On Top Magazine Staff
- | August 31, 2014
GLAAD on Friday announced it will honor Golden State Warrior President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Welts at its Saturday, September 13 fundraiser in San Francisco.
GLAAD Gala San Francisco: Game Changers will be hosted by actress Taryn Manning (Orange is the New Black) and feature a special performance by Alex Newell (Glee).
Welts came out in 2011, becoming the highest-ranking executive in men's professional team sports to publicly announce he's gay.
At next month's gala, Welts will receive GLAAD's Davidson / Valentini Award, which is given to an out media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting LGBT equality.
Golden State Warriors assistant coach Jarron Collins will present the award. Collin's twin brother, Jason Collins, earlier this year became the NBA's first openly gay active player.
“Rick Welts leveled the playing field,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Rick's story has been an inspiration to countless LGBT athletes and sports professionals, who are now empowered to share their own stories. His leadership has changed the game for equality in sports.”
GLAAD previously announced that Google and YouTube will receive the Ric Weiland Award at the gala.