Josh Hutcherson at the GLAAD Media Awards

MyHungerGames | April 22, 2012 | 2 Comments More

Photo by GLAAD http://instagr.am/p/JtBiuaOcwi/

Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson was the guest of honor at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles where he received the Vanguard Award for his work promoting equality for the LGBT community.

The Vanguard Award is presented to a media professional who, through their work, has increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community. Josh Hutcherson is the youngest recipient ever to be given the award.

But he certainly qualifies.

In 2010, Josh starred as the son of a lesbian couple in move “The Kids Are All Right,” which received a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film Wide Release, two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
Josh is also one of the founders of the Straight But Not Narrow organization and has been outspoken about why equality for LGBT people is important.
Earlier this year, Josh along with fellow Straight But Not Narrow co-founder, actor Avan Jogia, met with Gay-Straight Alliance leaders at the GSA Network to film a video discussing the importance of GSA clubs in schools. In March, Josh made a surprise appearance at a high school in Los Angeles where he spoke to GSA members about about the importance of being an ally for LGBT young people.

GLAAD’S President Herndon Graddick says:

“Emerging as a leader in a new generation of equality advocates, Josh Hutcherson has consistently used his platform to help young people understand that no one should face discrimination simply because of who they are. Josh’s commitment to achieving equality for every American is a message he carries in his work both on screen and off, earning him the honor of being GLAAD’s youngest-ever Vanguard Award recipient.”