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Scandal star Kerry Washington and openly gay L.A. Galaxy soccer star Robbie Rogers have been tapped as honorary co-chairs for the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s Respect Awards.
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The annual event — which takes place in Los Angeles and New York — showcase the work of corporations, individuals, students and educators who have made a significant difference in the areas of diversity, inclusion and the safe schools movement who serve as exemplary role models.
“GLSEN is on the front lines of keeping kids safe from bullying in our schools. That’s absolutely a cause that I support and believe in,” said Washington, who earned an Emmy for her portrayal as crisis manager Olivia Pope on ABC’s Scandal.
Added Rogers: “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.”
In addition, GLSEN also announced the host committee for the Friday, Oct. 18 event set to take place at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The group includes NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt, Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal EPs Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, Baby Daddy creator Dan Berendsen, Arrow EP Greg Berlanti, Entertainment Tonight EP Linda Bell Blue, White Collar’s Matt Bomer, ABC exec vp global communications Kevin Brockman, Green Lantern producer Donald De Line, Slate PR partner Simon Halls, Fandango’s Dave Karger, The A List events/special projects manager Carlos Lopez, interior designer David Phoenix and DreamWorks Studios head of publicity Chip Sullivan.
“We are grateful for the generous support from this year’s event co-chairs as we honor a group of outstanding leaders that are strongly committed to our belief for schools that teach respect for all,” GLSEN executive director Eliza Byard said. “Our event co-chairs generate increased awareness and support for GLSEN that ultimately make it possible for us to focus on ending bullying and harassment in K-12 schools.”
E-mail: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
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