Out actor Tituss Burgess will be honored at NewFest, New York's annual LGBT film festival, now in its 28th year.

Debra Messing (Will & Grace, Smash) will present the festival's inaugural Voice & Visibility Award to Burgess on October 20, the opening night of the festival.

“It's an honor to be the first recipient of this award,” Burgess said. “What a lovely reminder to us all that being yourself gives others permission to stand proudly in their own individuality.”

“NewFest is all about LGBT storytelling, and as an immensely talented actor of both stage and screen, Tituss presents his characters and his own stories with insight, strength and heart – echoing the power and passion of the LGBT community,” said NewFest Executive Director Robert Kushner.

Burgess has received two Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Titus Andromedon in the Netflix comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.