YouTuber, entrepreneur, and writer Connor Franta is being honored at the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards.
GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the top national education organization that strives to ensure safe and affirming school environments for all students. The ceremony showcases the work of students, educators, and corporations who have positively impacted the LGBT youth community.
For his part the 23-year-old Franta made his debut on social media when he started uploading private and confessional videos to YouTube. Since then he’s become a well-known advocate for LGBT teens who struggle with acceptance and coming out.
Franta’s impact through his social media platforms has created a voice for young teens that continues to reach millions. His LGBT activism has helped GLSEN programs; including collaborations with GLSEN’s Day of Silence, which spreads bullying awareness.
Since he started his channel in 2010, Franta has immersed into fashion design, written a New York Time’s best-selling memoir, created a lifestyle brand, and opened a record label. With over 5.4 million followers across social media, and videos reaching as many as 330 million views, Franta is the epitome of entrepreneurship.
The award ceremony will be held Oct. 21 in Beverly Hills, California.
