On Saturday, December 17, Safe Out and the LGBTQ Consortium hosted its 4th Annual End of the Year Celebration. Every year we come together to mix, mingle, celebrate our accomplishments, and enjoy the talents of our community members. Our end of the year party is also our way of providing a safe, family-friendly, drug and alcohol free space to reunite with old friends and make new ones after a long and busy year.
We would like to say a special thank you to our lovely MC for the evening, Rev. Tamira Burns, our amazing sound tech Shirley Austin, and our talented performer, Sydney! And of course, a big thank you and shout out to Laura Dragon owner of {9} The Gallery, who has now hosted our party for the third year in a row.
This year, we also had the pleasure of honoring 15 community members and partners with awards from Safe Out & the LGBTQ Consortium. Our awards were selected based on support of coalition activities, involvement and dedication as volunteers or partners, and contributions made to supporting health, wellness, and safety for LGBTQ youth and adults. Congratulations and thank you!
Above & Beyond Award: Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
Community Impact and Collaboration Award: Native Health
Community Partnership Award: Tolleson Union High School District
Community Partnership Award: Ombudsman Educational Services
Lifetime Diva Award: Felicia Minor
Outstanding Consortium Community Support: Teresa Peña
Outstanding Consortium Community Support: Jamal Brooks-Hawkins
Outstanding Safe Out Support: Kitzya Herrera
Outstanding Safe Out Support: Tania Lopez
Outstanding Safe Out Volunteer: J.R. New
Outstanding Safe Out Volunteer: Amber King
Outstanding Safe Out Volunteer: Jazmine Palmerin
Prevention Media Award: OUTFRONT Media, Inc.
Prevention Media Award: Cultural Sponge
Trans Health Excellence Award: AZ Trans Youth & Parent Organization
We hope everyone who attended had a great time, and if you missed it, we hope to see you at next year’s get together! Happy Holidays, everyone! See you in 2017!