The gay son of Oscar-winning actress Sally Field has presented her with one of the Human Rights Campaign’s highest honours – the Ally for Equality Award, which the actress happily accepted with some words about their bond.

Sam Greisman, named after Field’s second husband Alan Greisman, is the youngest of the Brothers and Sisters star’s three sons. He came out publically via the HRC’s awards night.

“I feel very blessed to be able to call her my mother,” he said. “In addition to being an extraordinarily talented actress, I know that she will have my back for as long as she lives. There are a lot of young gay men out there who would kill to have her as a mom, and a lot of parents of gay children who could learn a lot from her.”

Taking the award with a hug, Field spoke of her pride in her son. “Sam was different, and his journey to allow himself to be what nature intended him to be, was not an easy one.

“As his mother, I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to be allowed to be part of it.”

Hear Sam Greisman and Sally Field’s speeches below.

Find out more about the Human Rights Campaign on its official website here.