Hilary Duff, Lance Bass, Jennie Garth and others were all on hand at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA last night for the 4th Annual GLSEN Respect Awards hosted by the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network. Darren Star, Disney/ABC Television and Lance Bass were the special honorees at last night’s event for their “commitment to all America’s students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression”. Here are a few pics from the red carpet last night:

It’s great to see Hilary Duff so proudly supporting this amazing organization. You may recall that earlier this week we got to see her new GLSEN produced PSA that encourages young people to Think Before You Speak in order to curb curb bullying or threatening language aimed at LGBT youth. I am such a huge supporter of the GLSEN organization. They work so tirelessly to bring together straight allies with the LGBT community in order to foster inclusiveness so that, together, they are able to work towards ending bullying and hatespeak aimed at targeted youth. The Respect Awards annually celebrate those folks who work towards that inclusiveness. I am constantly surprised and impressed with the strides that are made in acceptance and inclusiveness among different groups of people in this country. Even tho there are still those who fear and vehemently oppose the equality of all citizens, the country seems to be moving towards inclusion rather than exclusion. It’s a long process and it is slow-going at times but we are getting there. It’s just really exciting, y’all :)

[Photo credit: Wireimage]