GLSEN on Tuesday announced that it
would honor YouTuber Connor Franta at its upcoming Respect Awards in
Los Angeles.
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.
The group said in a press release that
the GLSEN Respect Awards “showcase the work of students, educators,
individuals and corporations who serve as exemplary role models and
have made a significant impact on the lives of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.”
“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,” said GLSEN Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard.
Franta, 23, came out gay at the end of
2014 in a video simply titled Coming Out. In an interview
earlier this year with gay glossy Out, Franta described coming
out as “the best thing I've ever done with my platform.”