Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph has been awarded the Champion Award by GLSEN for her unwavering support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth at the Rise Up LA event in Los Angeles.
Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph was recently honoured with the Champion Award by GLSEN, an organisation committed to fostering safe and inclusive educational environments for LGBTQ+ youth. The award ceremony took place at GLSEN’s annual fundraising event, Rise Up LA, held at NeueHouse Hollywood, Los Angeles, last month.
The event was hosted by comedian and former educator Joe Dombrowski and included a special appearance by actress Alison Brie. Sheryl Lee Ralph was recognised for her relentless support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly through her various philanthropic efforts and public influence.
Ralph’s receipt of the Champion Award signifies her role as an inspirational figure with her longstanding dedication to justice and equality. The award is annually bestowed upon individuals who have significantly impacted the advocacy landscape for LGBTQ+ youth, contributing to a safer and more inclusive environment for them. Past recipients of this prestigious accolade include notable figures such as Annette Bening, Julia Roberts, Zendaya, Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Jessica Biel, Octavia Spencer, Ellen Pompeo, Tim Cook, and Kerry Washington.
Ralph’s impressive career spans decades, with one of her most notable roles being her portrayal of “Barbara Howard” in ABC’s comedy series Abbott Elementary, which won her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2022, alongside nominations for subsequent seasons. Her theatrical accomplishments include originating the role of “Deena Jones” in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, a performance that garnered her Tony and Drama Desk nominations. She has also starred in films with renowned figures like Sidney Poitier, and her diverse body of work includes roles in Mistress, To Sleep with Anger, The Distinguished Gentleman, Sister Act 2, Moesha, and Ray Donovan.
Beyond her acting career, Ralph is acclaimed for her advocacy efforts. She founded the DIVA Foundation, aiming to eradicate the stigma and silence around the HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly in the lives of Black women. Through this work and her continued advocacy, Ralph has consistently championed justice and equality, efforts that are pivotal in addressing discrimination and harmful legislation affecting LGBTQ+ youth.
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN, expressed admiration for Ralph’s impactful work, highlighting her commitment as a source of strength and hope for the community. Ralph’s advocacy efforts resonate widely, offering a beacon of hope and resilience in challenging times for many facing adversity.
Ralph’s recognition at the Rise Up LA benefit underscores her influential role in championing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth, marking another significant achievement in her illustrious career.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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