Octavia Spencer of 'Hidden Figures' Gets Emotional about Inclusivity in Schools as She Receives GLSEN Respect Award

Octavia Spencer was honored at the GLSEN Respect Awards for her work on behalf of LGBTQ students.

Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer was honored at the GLSEN Respect Awards for the inspirational roles she has taken on in her career.

On October 25, 2019, Octavia took to the stage to accept her award and delivered a speech that had the audience on its feet.

Octavia declared that schools should be refuges, where students should feel certain of being accepted for who and what they are

OCTAVIA SPENCE PRAISES GLSN

GLSEN is an organization dedicated to representing and protecting the LGBTQ+ student community and promoting inclusive school environments.

A visibly moved Octavia spoke about GLSN, and the impact and the hope the organization has brought into the lives of LGBTQ youth. She said:

“When we hear the word glisten, it brings to mind words like sparkle, glitter, and gleam and that is what this room feels like tonight. A shiny space filled with happy, beautiful people who are all aglow because we know that here we are seen, accepted, and loved for our full selves."

TURNING SCHOOLS INTO REFUGES OF LEARNING AND ACCEPTANCE

Octavia declared that schools should be refuges, where students should feel certain of being accepted for who and what they are - independently of race or gender identity. She said:

“School should be a place you can be yourself, make friends and learn about the world. Where you shouldn’t have to worry that the bathroom you use or who you take to prom will somehow get you bullied."

OCTAVIA SPENCER - INSPIRED BY HER PAST

Octavia explained that she had grown up poor, and in an economically challenged area of Montgomery, Alabama, but that her mother had believed that education was the key to her child's future. She said:

“I was incredibly lucky to have teachers and mentors along the way who believe in me and gave me confidence. (...) It’s one of the reasons why I’ve chosen to put my time and energy into both activism in my life and stories on screen that challenge us to envision a more even playing field for all of us."

OCTAVIA SPENCER CALLS FOR "GOOD DECISIONS"

Speaking to the adults, Octavia appealed to them to support GLSN now, more than ever, as legislation has been revoked, reducing LGBTQ rights at schools. She said:

“An educated society forms a foundation of a country that can make good decisions and we all know that there are a lot of bad decisions being made right now."

Octavia ended her speech by thanking GLSN for inspiring her and thanked the LGBTQ students for the courage and grace they have demonstrated under grueling circumstances.

Thank you, Octavia Spencer, for being a constant inspiration.

OCTAVIA SPENCER STUNS AFTER WEIGHT LOSS

Octavia Spencer recently revealed that she has been working hard to achieve a healthier lifestyle, with regular exercise and well-thought-out nutrition.

And the effort has paid off. Not only is the actress of "The Help" feeling healthier and more energetic, but she is also looking fabulous.

Octavia shared a photo of herself on Instagram posing in front of her mirror and she looks stunning.

Well done, Octavia.