GLAAD to Honor Tituss Burgess & Tommy Dorfman at 2017 GLAAD Gala Atlanta

GLAAD announced today that Tituss Burgess and Tommy Dorfman will be honored at the 2017 GLAAD Gala Atlanta on October 25, where the media advocacy organization will celebrate leaders accelerating LGBTQ acceptance. CMT Star Cody Alan, who came out this year as gay, will host, and Grammy Award-nominated country artist Billy Gilman will perform.

As an openly gay Georgia native, Burgess will receive the Local Hero Award, which is given to someone who's had a significant impact on the local queer community. Burgess is an Emmy and SAG-nominated actor, musician and writer, and most recently played a gay character in Netflix's The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. He's also appeared in 30 Rock, as well as four Broadway shows. Actor Michael Carlsen, who portrays Burgess' romantic interest in The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, will present the award.

"Tituss Burgess has long used his substantial and powerful voice to shed light on important causes," said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO. "His massive talent and bold personality make him an unforgettable advocate for LGBTQ acceptance and a clear choice for the Local Hero Award."

Related | Tommy Dorfman Fights Brazil's Conversion Therapy Laws With 'Cura Gay' Tee

Dorfman will receive GLAAD's inaugural Rising Star Award, which is given to young artists who use their developing platform to promote LGBTQ acceptance. The 25-year-old actor played a gay character in Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, and has since used his celebrity to advocate for queer rights across the world. He most recently launched exclusive t-shirts printed with the statement "Cura Gay" to fight Brazil's conversion therapy laws. The GLAAD award will be presented by actor Denis O'Hare, who's long been an inspiration to Dorfman.

"Since he burst onto the scene Tommy Dorfman has used his platform to fight for LGBTQ acceptance and equality," said Kate Ellis. "By incorporating advocacy from day one, he sent a powerful message about the importance of speaking out about causes that matter."

The 2017 GLAAD Gala Atlanta will also include appearances from Amiyah Scott, Michael Carlsen, and Zeke Smith, as well as Cynthia Bailey, Sheree Whitfield, and Porsha Williams from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

For more information, visit glaad.org/atlanta.