Georgia teen Mars Hallman’s star-studded night at GLSEN Awards
Nashville, Georgia teenager Mars Hallman just had the weekend of a lifetime in Beverly Hills as they were honored by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) as Student Advocate of the Year at the group’s 2015 Respect Awards.
The 16-year-old had their first plane flight, got a standing ovation after their acceptance speech and hung out with stars like Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Julia Roberts and openly gay “The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons at the Oct. 23 event. Timberlake even name-checked Hallman twice during his speech accepting the organization’s Inspiration Award with wife Biel.
You first read about Hallman’s fight to get a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at their high school in Georgia Voice. Hallman, who recently came out as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, eventually succeeded despite opposition from some school administrators and local faith leaders, and as president of Berrien High School’s GSA is working on adding gender expression to the school’s bullying policy and adding a gender neutral restroom. GLSEN took notice of Hallman’s efforts and announced the honor earlier this month.
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