Hollywood celebrities came out Sunday
to pledge
their support for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
(GLSEN).
Bill Paxton and Louis Van Amstel were
among the celebrities attending the GLSEN LA Respect Kick-Off Party
at the EVO Luxury Residences in downtown Los Angeles.
GLSEN works to end discrimination,
harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation and gender
identity in America's schools.
“We've all been kids, we've all been
bullied at one point in time either being gay or lesbian or being the
fat kid or being the small kid or being the red-head kid,” openly
gay, Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Van
Amstel told Entertainment Tonight.
Paxton, who stars in the HBO drama Big
Love, agreed: “Whether you're gay or straight, you deserve
respect.”
“It's a great cause and I'm glad to
support it,” he added.
The group announced last week that
it will honor ABC's comedy hit Modern Family at its 7th
annual GLSEN Respect Awards on October 8 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
The group's executive director, Dr.
Eliza Byard, praised the show for its “wonderful depiction of two
gay dads.”