Colton Haynes to be honoured with Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award
The Human Rights Campaign has announced that it plans to honour Hollywood actor Colton Haynes at its 17th annual Awards.
Haynes, who publicly came out as gay this year, will be honoured with the Visibility Award on Saturday, 27 August at the Seattle Sheraton.
“Colton Haynes has inspired countless LGBTQ young people across the country and around the world to live their lives as their authentic selves,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.
“By simply being open about who he is, Haynes is helping to break down barriers and tear down closet doors. We are pleased he will be joining us at the 17th Annual HRC Seattle Gala, and we are proud to honor him with the HRC Visibility Award.”
Haynes said: “I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and healthier than I’ve ever been, and that’s what I care about.”
The Arrow and Teen Wolf star earlier this month revealed that he was told his father killed himself because he came out as gay.
Haynes, who came out publicly earlier this year, has opened up in a new interview with OUT Magazine about his early life and struggles around being gay.
Haynes’ fellow Arrow star John Barrowman last year said it was time for an openly gay superhero to get their own TV show.
The actor – who has a role as antihero Malcolm Merlyn in CW’s superhero drama – called for a gay hero to get a slice of the genre in some form.
When asked by the Advocate whether audiences would be ready for a gay hero, Barrowman said: “Personally, I don’t care if they are, or not. It’s time we had one.”
