RESPECT LOS ANGELES, October 2009 - HONOREES

HBO
Corporate Role Model

HBO has been instrumental in GLSEN’s growth and visibility the last few years. Its body of work is second to none in portraying positive images of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community through their exceptional series and movies. They also they stand as an example of diversity both on camera and as a corporate leader. As the most-watched pay service in the country, HBO has been honored with virtually every major programming award. This year, the network hit a high note with an unprecedented 99 Emmy Award Nominations.

David Bohnett
Lifetime Achievement

David C. Bohnett has been a stalwart supporter of GLSEN’s work both personally and as Chair of The David Bohnett Foundation. His generous support of various LGBT organizations includes the funding of more than 60 cyber centers at LGBT community centers across the country, providing Internet access for LGBT youth and seniors. As the head of the private equity firm Baroda Ventures, CEO of OVGuide.com, Chairman of the Board of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association and Trustee of amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research) and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), David is guided by the core principle of bettering society through social activism.

Shonda Rhimes
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Shonda Rhimes has broken multiple glass ceilings in Hollywood through her sheer talent and intelligence. Her shows Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice are examples of diversity not only for their multiracial casting, but also for their inclusion of LGBT characters, story lines and actors. For her work, Rhimes received a Producers Guild of America Award, Golden Globe Award, Lucy Award, NAACP Image Award, Writers Guild Award, and Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series and Writing for Grey's Anatomy.