PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Equality Forum, the annual LGBT global summit, launches in Philadelphia on Monday.

A week of events have been planned. Issues involving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community will be highlighted by panels, workshops, film screenings, art exhibits, tributes, and a special dinner Saturday night at the National Constitution Center.

A young man who made national headlines in Arizona will be honored.

“We presenting a national Role Model award to Daniel Hernandez junior and he is the University of Arizona senior who was volunteering for Congressman Gabrielle Giffords and literally stepped in harm’s way to, I think, save her life,” said Malcolm Lazin, Founder and Executive Director of Equality Forum.

Lazin also says many of the events and activities will focus on young people.

“If you’re a gay kid and you don’t think that your family is ready to accept that fact, you are feeling very isolated and lonely and so, as a result, no wonder that there is a higher rate of suicide among gay teens.”

The week wraps up on a high note on Sunday with SundayOUT! at the Piazza with live entertainment and vendors.  For a list of events, go to equalityforum.com

Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio