Jim Parsons honored, Steve Grand performed at GLSEN Respect Awards

Mon. October 21, 2013 8:19 AM by OnTopMag.com

Los Angeles, CA - Actor Jim Parsons and his partner Todd Spiewak were honored Friday at the GLSEN Respect Awards held at the Beverly Hills Hotel 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.

Parsons (Big Bang Theory) and Spiewak were presented with the group's Inspiration Award.

"I've never considered myself an activist," Parsons, who nonchalantly came out gay last year in an interview with The New York Times, said in accepting the award. "I've never considered my relationship with Todd to be an act of activism. Rather simply, it's an act of love; coffee in the morning, going to work, washing the clothes, taking the dogs [out] – a regular life, boring love."

"Now all this said, no one is giving us an award for activism. I realize this," he continued. "If we are indeed [an] inspiration to others by simply being who we are and living our lives in the way that feels right to us, then we have to thank the same people who help any other couple who continue a successful relationship – our friends and family. We are both surrounded by so many people who make our lives better and easier, friends we've had for many years and friends we've made since living in L.A."

Award-winning producer-writer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason was honored with the group's Lifetime Achievement Award. Her latest film, Bridegroom, premieres Sunday, October 27 on OWN.

Performing for the crowd was Steve Grand, who recently released Stay, his second music video.

Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine

 

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