Congratulations are in order for Kerry Washington! The 38-year-old actress is set to receive the Vanguard Award this year's GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards in Los Angeles.

Kerry Washington
Washington will be presented with the Vanguard Award by GLAAD

Washington, who will be presented with the honour in Beverly Hills on March 21st, is receiving the award for her efforts in making a "significant difference in promoting equality," according to E!News. Previous recipients include Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Drew Barrymore, Antonio Banderas, Janet Jackson and Kristin Chenoweth.

The 'Scandal' star has been very vocal in showing her support for the LGBT community in the past, as well as taking part in GLAAD's annual anti-bullying campaign and Spirit Day, she has also voiced her dismay at the treatment of homosexuals in Russia and Africa, and has championed same-sex marriages.

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"Throughout her illustrious career, Kerry Washington has consistently brought to life characters that encourage acceptance of LGBT people," GLAAD's president Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. "Her outspoken support for equality, both here at home and abroad, has sent messages of hope and empowerment to fans all over the world, fostering dialogue that builds understanding and helps moves hearts and minds."

Funnily enough, because Washington is very private about her personal life, there used to be rumours claiming she was a lesbian.

More: More: Can't Have It All? Check Out Kerry Washington, Doing Just That.

"It's interesting how much people long to fill in the gaps when someone in the public eye doesn't share their personal life," she told the Advocate in November 2013. "I understand their frustration. I like how people will post pictures of me with other women that I adore, hugging on red carpets, and say, 'See?' Are we so uncomfortable with love between two people of the same gender that we immediately label it as sexual? But I've never been bothered by the lesbian rumor. There's nothing offensive about it, so there's no reason to be offended."