BY BTL STAFF
KALAMAZOO – The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center handed out the 2016 REACH awards to six individuals and/or organizations who have excelled in their work as an LGBT activist or ally. Winners of the awards represent the best of the best in the categories of retail, education, ally support, community, humanitarian and faith.
The following individuals were honored at the annual KGLRC Winter Gala that was be held Feb. 6 at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Terry Johnston Photography won the REACH award for retail. Johnston has dedicated his time professionally and personally to making a difference in the LGBT community, working to reduce HIV stigma in West Michigan and beyond. He has been a long-time supporter and friend to the KGLRC over the years.
Dr. Jill Hermann-Wilmarth was awarded the REACH award for education. Hermann-Willmarth is a professor at Western Michigan University in the College of Education and Human Development, where she combats heteronormativity, homophobia and transphobia in her classroom as she teaches future teachers. Throughout her career, Hermann-Willmarth has published multiple papers on the importance of LGBT characters in early education literature. Additionally Hermann-Wilmarth has volunteered at the KGLRC as a facilitator in the youth group and has been active at Kazoo school, a private school focused on catering to all student learning, making safe spaces for LGBT students and families in Kalamazoo.
Shannon Sykes received her REACH award for her efforts as an LGBT ally. Through her work with PeaceJam, an organization working to uplift and teach youth leadership skills, and her recent work as a city commissioner, Sykes creates safe spaces for LGBT voices and stands against all forms of homophobia and discrimination. Commissioner Sykes has dedicated time and efforts to building bridges between unlikely allies and the KGLRC.
Marty Marlett was awarded the REACH award for her tireless work in the LGBT community. For years, Marlett has led Transcend, the Transgender support group at the KGLRC, without recognition and has gone above and beyond to provide transportation for trans folks who could not otherwise get to meetings. Marlett has tirelessly ensured that members of the trans community have a safe place to go for support.
Dr. Michelle Johnson received the REACH award for her work in the humanitarian sector. She is the co-founder of Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative and has dedicated her life to working with youth, connecting them with a positive outlet for their creativity and supporting youth to reach their dreams. Johnson has provided a safe haven for LGBT artists across age demographics, giving them a performance space and a community when there were no other places. She continues to raise up stories about the intersections of race and sexuality while advocating for people to find their voice.
Awarded the REACH award for faith was Christine Babcock. While working for the HRC, she spoke with religious leaders who were anti-LGBT, trying to change the narrative and move them to a more positive position. Babcock made waves in west Michigan and braved conversations few others were having with community members.
The 2016 KGLRC Winter Gala is an annual event held to honor LGBT and ally community members for the work that they do and to raise funds for the west Michigan LGBT center. The Gala showcases food and desserts, a silent auction, performances by local musicians and time to socialize and celebrate diversity. To find out more about the Winter Gala, visit the KGLRC website at http://kglrc.org/winter-gala.
