Kate Hudson is Honored for her Activism at GLSEN Awards

Honoree Kate Hudson speaks onstage during the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards
Honoree Kate Hudson speaks onstage during the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards

Photo Credit: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for GLSEN

Golden girl Kate Hudson was honored by GLSEN for being a champion of the LGBT community on Friday night.

(L-R) Executive director of GLSEN Eliza Byard, honorary co-chairs Matt Bomer, Simon Halls, Marilyn Katzenberg, Jim Parsons, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Julia Roberts, Todd Spiewak and Robert Greenblatt
(L-R) Executive director of GLSEN Eliza Byard, honorary co-chairs Matt Bomer, Simon Halls, Marilyn Katzenberg, Jim Parsons, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Julia Roberts, Todd Spiewak and Robert Greenblatt

Photo Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for GLSEN

Hudson, who you can currently see on the silver screen in Deepwater Horizon, accepted her trophy from Dreamworks chief Jeffrey Katzenberg at the GLSEN Respect Awards, which was introduced in 2004 to 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.

Honorary Co-Chair Jeffrey Katzenberg (L) and Honoree Kate Hudson
Honorary Co-Chair Jeffrey Katzenberg (L) and Honoree Kate Hudson

Photo Credit: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for GLSEN

She received the Inspiration Award for her longstanding advocacy work to benefit youth. She is a Board Member of mother Goldie Hawn‘s The Hawn Foundation’s Board of Directors and is actively involved in the organization’s signature program, MindUP, which teaches skills and mindfulness practices that help children improve learning and academic performance, as well as valuable social and emotional skills. She has also partnered with the World Food Program in their fight to end hunger around the world and has been involved with numerous other causes, including the Starkey Foundation, Baby2Baby, women’s rights, education and the fight to eradicate breast cancer. She has used her voice to spotlight issues of diversity and inclusion, including the fight for marriage equality.

Actress Nina Dobrev attends the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards
Actress Nina Dobrev attends the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards

Photo Credit: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for GLSEN

(L-R) Student ambassador Alex Phillips, student advocate of the year Edward Estrada, student ambassadors Ellie Pena, Danny Charney, honororary co-chair Julia Roberts, student ambassadors Madison Miszewski, Miguel Johnson and Matt Nadel
(L-R) Student ambassador Alex Phillips, student advocate of the year Edward Estrada, student ambassadors Ellie Pena, Danny Charney, honororary co-chair Julia Roberts, student ambassadors Madison Miszewski, Miguel Johnson and Matt Nadel

Photo Credit: Shropshire/Getty Images for GLSEN

Additional honorees at the event included Connor Franta, Jess Cagle, Target, and Student Advocate of the Year Edward Estrada; attendees included GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard, Honorary Co-Chairs Julia Roberts, Matt Bomer and Simon Halls, Bob Greenblatt, Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak; Additional guests including Miss J Alexander, Maddie Baillio, Dan Berendsen & Kevin Brockman, Raymond Braun, Hayden Byerly, Charlie Carver, Garrett Clayton, Jonathan Del Arco, Nina Dobrev, Jim Fielding, Alyssa Jirrels, Olivia Jordan, Chelsea Kane, Dave Karger, Michael Lewis, Michel Mercure, Patrick Moran, Rob Morrow, Kate Mulgrew, Michael Nardelli, Hari Nef, Tyler Oakley, Robbie Rogers & Greg Berlanti, Chip Sullivan, Ephraim Sykes, JJ Totah, Milo Ventimiglia, Laysha Ward & Rick Gomez, Breeda Wool, and more.

Milo Ventimiglia
Milo Ventimiglia

Photo Credit: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for GLSEN