The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, will honor three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep with the organization’s Ally for Equality Award at the 2017 HRC Greater New York Gala, which will be held February 11, 2017, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

“Throughout her phenomenal career, Meryl Streep has used her voice to stand up for the LGBTQ community,” said HRC president Chad Griffin in a statement. “Whether through her iconic roles that raised the visibility of LGBTQ people, or by boldly speaking out for equality, Meryl Streep embodies the very nature of what it means to be an ally to our community. We are thrilled to welcome Meryl Streep to the 2017 HRC Greater New York Gala and look forward to honoring her with the HRC Ally for Equality Award.”

The HRC Ally for Equality Award recognizes “the outstanding efforts of those who use their voice to publicly stand-up for the LGBTQ community. These individuals dedicate their time, energy, spirit and whole-hearted commitment to better the lives of LGBTQ people. The award is given to allies outside of the LGBTQ community who stand up on behalf of equality for all Americans.”

An outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality, Streep credits childhood music teachers for helping to open her eyes to LGBTQ acceptance, including her gay piano teacher and his partner, and another transgender music teacher. “I just can't remember when LGBT people were not in my life,” Streep said an in interview.

Streep has starred in numerous roles helping to raise awareness of the challenges LGBTQ people face. In fact, she won one of her eight Golden Globe Awards for her work in HBO's Angels in America role, and during her acceptance speech in 2004, she spoke out for marriage equality.

As previously announced, HRC will also honor PepsiCo with the HRC Corporate Equality Award. The award “recognizes PepsiCo’s exceptional commitment to advancing workplace equality for the LGBTQ community.”

Streep, an Oscar winner for her performances in Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie's Choice, and The Iron Lady, has been seen on Broadway in Trelawny of “The Wells,” A Memory of Two Mondays/27 Wagons Full of Cotton, Secret Service, The Cherry Orchard, and Happy End.

To purchase tickets for the #HRCGreaterNY gala, learn more about the event, ways to volunteer, and more, visit HRCGreaterNY.org.