Andrew Rannells and More Attend Family Equality Council's 2013 Awards Dinner in LA

Family Equality Council, the national organization that connects, supports, and represents the one million families in the U.S. with parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) welcomed some of the entertainment industries' brightest stars to its Los Angeles Awards Dinner, Saturday, at Universal Studios' Globe Theatre.

The NBC network was among the honorees for the annual event which celebrates efforts to advance equality for all families. NBC Chairman Bob Greenblatt accepted the award, co- presented by Andrew Rannells - the Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning actor currently on HBO's Girls as well as the NBC comedy, The New Normal and Sean Hayes - the Emmy-award and multi-SAG award winning actor who gained recognition for his groundbreaking work in Will and Grace.

Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler said the organization was pleased to honor NBC for its long tradition of offering positive portrayal of parents who are gay and lesbian in their primetime programming.

"From Friends and Will & Grace to The New Normal and Go On, NBC has been responsible for groundbreaking portrayals of our parents and in doing so has helped to shed a light on a new paradigm for the American family," said Chrisler.

NBC stars attending the awards included Jayson Blair, Justin Bartha, and Georgia King of the New Normal and from Bravo's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Kyle Richards, Brandi Glanville and Camille Grammer.

Family Equality Council also honored Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe for his role as a vocal advocate against the law that would have banned same-sex marriage in Minnesota and Virginia Uribe, the founder of Project 10, and Friends of Project 10 who was honored for her work creating an environment for students who are LGBT that is supportive, loving, and nurturing.

Comedian and actress Molly Shannon, and Glee's Darren Criss presented the awards to Chris Kluwe and Dr. Uribe .

Kluwe said he hoped the day would come soon when other professional sports stars recognized their responsibility as role models for children.

"As athletes, what we say on the field and on the sidelines has a direct impact on how some kids are treated on the playground," said Kluwe. "I hope more professional athletes stand up and declare that all American families are worthy of respect in their community and protection under the law.

Photo Credit: Vincent Sandoval/Getty Images

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