On Monday, May 19, Good Morning America news anchor Robin Roberts and her longtime girlfriend Amber Laign made a rare public appearance together at the 11th annual GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) Respect Awards in New York City.

The awards are held to celebrate and honor those students who work hard to make schools safer for students that are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Roberts attended the event to present the Gay-Straight Alliance of the Year award.

“I’m delighted to support GLSEN, an incredible organization that is working to end bullying and make schools safer for LGBT students,” Roberts said in a statement.

“I’m particularly happy to lift up the leadership of students who fight for respect and dignity for all,” she added.

Here we are with robin Roberts pic.twitter.com/MIQRyvUgFo

— PCHS GSA (@GSAPC) May 20, 2014

Later that night, Roberts posted a picture of herself and Laign, along with the students, and wrote: “Honored to be with courageous students.”

Honored to be with courageous students."@GLSEN: GLSEN students on the #RespectAwards red carpet with @RobinRoberts!! pic.twitter.com/fkEKaG9ili”

— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) May 20, 2014

Roberts first went public with her relationship with Laign in December when she wrote a Facebook post thanking her friends, family, and Laign for their support while she battled breast cancer and her myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a rare blood and bone marrow disease.

“At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude,” Roberts wrote at the time. “I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health. I am grateful for my sister, Sally-Ann, for being my donor and giving me the gift of life. I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.”

During a recent interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Roberts explained that Laign doesn’t like being in the spotlight and tends to shy away from the cameras. “Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight,” Roberts said. “She’s very, very supportive and she’s been right there beside me every step of the way.”

Image via Twitter