Patricia Arquette will be honoured at the upcoming GLAAD Media Awards

GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement:

"Patricia Arquette embodies the critical voice needed during these times to resist against injustice and discrimination across a range of issues.

"She is a beacon of light who has consistently used her platform to advance equality across marginalised groups and to drive culture-changing conversations that move acceptance forward."

Patricia will also honour her late sister Alexis Arquette - who passed away in September 2016 - and her contributions to film and the LGBTQ community at the event.

The ceremony, which will honour film, TV, and media in 21 English-language categories and 11 Spanish-language categories, will be hosted by Cameron Esposito, with

Josh Hutcherson, Victoria Justice, Trace Lysette, and Tatiana Maslany all confirmed to appear.

'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett will lead a tribute to Orlando's LGBTQ community with a performance by Cynthia Ervio.

A second ceremony will take place in New York on May 6.

Meanwhile, the 'Boyhood' star recently criticised the Oscars for failing to include Alexis - who was known as Robert before her transition - in their annual In Memoriam segment.

She said: "Alexis was a great actor, and had 70 credits, and was really brave to live her truth as a trans woman, and they didn't include her in the memorial.

"I think that was a real slight to the trans community, especially at this time, when trans kids can't even go to the bathroom in the United States of America at school. It says a lot about the lack of inclusion ... Trans kids can really never look at anyone and see their heroes, and I think that was a big mistake."