Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel to be honored for LGBT advocacy

Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel are to be honored for their work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community with a special award.

Officials at the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network's (GLSEN), which aims to reduce discrimination and bullying of LGBT youngsters in schools, will honor the couple with their Inspiration Award at the annual Respect Awards in October (15).

GLSEN executive director Dr. Eliza Byard says, "(They) are two vocal and committed allies to the LGBT community who are also devoted to charitable works that improve the lives of youth."

Timberlake and Biel have been outspoken advocates for gay marriage, attending the same-sex union of their close friend Dana Panzer and partner Amy Wicker in June (15).

Previous honorees at the Respect Awards include Julia Roberts and The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons.