True Blood's Joe Manganiello proud to be a gay rights ally

In receiving an Ally for Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), actor Joe Manganiello said he was proud to be an ally to the LGBT community.

Manganiello received the award at Saturday's 15th annual HRC Seattle Dinner held in downtown Seattle.

The 37-year-old Manganiello is best known for playing werewolf Alcide Herveaux on the HBO supernatural drama True Blood.

"You know, I never set out to be an advocate," Manganiello told the crowd. "I'm simply a person who believes in equality for everyone. And I'm a person who believes in standing up for his friends."

"Today I choose to fight for a world where equality is a reality, not just a dream. And above all else, to ensure that in the eyes of the law we're all equals."

"And I am truly humbled and awed by your collective commitment and I am extremely proud to stand by as your loyal ally."

He said he felt a bit "weird" in accepting an award for his beliefs and supporting his friends.

This award is mine "not because I think everyone should be treated the same. It's mine because I stood up and I did something about it," he said.