The increasing presence of LGBTQ superheroes and characters in DC Entertainment's comics and television shows hasn't gone unnoticed. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) will honor the company with a Visionary Award on October 20 at the 2017 GLSEN Respect Awards.

In their announcement, GLSEN noted DC Entertainment's "commitment to showcasing diverse storylines," singling out Batwoman -- the first lesbian superhero -- and Alysia Yeoh -- the first major trans character in mainstream comics -- as examples. The press release also cited other comics characters, such as Midnighter, Catwoman and Renee Montoya; specific comics, like DC and IDW's Love is Love; and The CW's DCTV shows Supergirl, Arrow, DC's Legends of Tomorrow and Gotham.

RELATED: 15 Influential LGBT Comic Book Superheroes

"GLSEN is excited to honor DC Entertainment with the Visionary Award for their impact and innovation," GLSEN executive director Eliza Byard said in a statement. "Superheroes hold an incredibly powerful place in our popular culture. Equally powerful is for LGBTQ youth to see themselves in our world, and DC enables just that. DC's commitment to representing LGBTQ characters in all forms of media is both incredibly important and empowering."

"At DC, we are committed to telling stories that reflect and inspire our diverse audience and we look forward to celebrating with the LGBTQ students and activists from across the country," added Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment and President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Founded in 1990, GLSEN helps create safe and inclusive K-12 schools in the United States. The GLSEN Respect Awards started in 2004 and are meant to showcase exemplary role models that impact the lives of LGBTQ youth. This year's other honorees include Kerry Washington, Bruce Bozzi and Spider-Man: Homecoming star Zendaya. Previous honorees include Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Shonda Rhimes and Kate Hudson.