Back in November, Arkansas native and 10-year-old Will Phillips made headlines when he refused to stand up for the pledge of allegiance in school. His reason? He didn’t want to pledge allegiance to a country where discrimination against the gay community still exists, and where “liberty and justice” does not “exist for all.”

On Saturday, CGG caught up with Will on the red carpet at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) works to promote and ensure fair treatment and representation of people in the media, regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation.

When we asked him what advice he had for his peers to make a difference in the community, he told us, “If you want to stand up—if you see something that’s wrong, say that it’s wrong. Work to your best efforts to try to prevent it.” So eloquent at only 10 years old! During the ceremony, the elementary school student was called to the stage to receive the award for Outstanding TV Journalism Segment. “Why Will Won’t Pledge Allegiance” was a piece featured on CNN's American Morning. Congratulations, Will!

Find out how you can join Will today and take action to support the LGBTQ community!