Advertisement

Prism Awards celebrate community leaders

By Sarah Mieras

LANSING – The greater Lansing area LGBT community gathered Oct. 2 to celebrate and honor those who have volunteered, led and contributed to the fight for equal rights.
As has been its tradition, the 11th annual PRISM award ceremony also served as a social event. A month away from election day, the event was a rallying point for defeating Proposition 2 and electing those supportive of LGBT civil rights.
New to the ceremony, three elected officials were honored for their continued support of Lansing's LGBT community. The Ray of Light Awards were bestowed upon Rep. Gretchen Whitmer, Representative Michael Murphy and Senator Virg Bernero.
On the edge of the 30th anniversary of "Lesbian Connection," one of its founders, Margy Lesher, was honored with the capstone award of the evening, The Prism Award. Founded during the heart of the feminist movement, "Lesbian Connection" is a free magazine for the lesbian community, distributed worldwide. Since its inception, "Lesbian Connection" has made Lansing its home, providing a social and activist base for the region's lesbian community.
The evening also honored student Jason Bryans for his bravery and leadership in establishing a GSA at Mason High school and his continued work with LGBT students at Michigan State University.
In between bits of music by the Inside Out Barbershop Quartet and comedy and high jinx by MCs Penny Gardner and Matt Weingarden, numerous other movers and shakers received awards. Laura Sorenson received the Coalition Award for her work with the MSU Office of LGBT Concerns. Dayle Benjamin received the Humanitarian Award for his continued dedication serving those living with HIV. Kevin Lambrix received a Community Award for his work as Co-Chair of Michigan Pride and his continued volunteer activity with organizations serving the HIV community, such as LAAN. Marilyn Bown received a Community Service Award for her work with the Alliance Women's Softball team and her volunteer activities with many groups throughout Lansing. Carrie Thorne was honored with the Education Award for her work as the Chair of the MSU LGBT Alumni Association and for providing visibility for out LGBT faculty and staff on the MSU campus. Jon Hoadley was honored for his work with the Stonewall Democrats, MSU's "Q" News and for his continued leadership on the campus of MSU.
Other honorees were Gina Beaudry, Diane Burns, Club 505, Douglas Rainey, Carrie E.V. Tune-Copeland, Christopher Greene-Szmadzinski, Judy Hazelo, T.J. Jourian, Dr. Jon Lacey, Cynthia Paul, PJ Two Ravens, Kenneth R. Richmond, Mark E. Sartor, Eric D. Scheck, Jim Shewell, Cherrie Specht, Maxine Thome, Nick C. Visscher and Stacy F. Waldo.

Advertisement
Advertisement

From the Pride Source Marketplace

Go to the Marketplace
Directory default
Voted best florist numerous times by Hour Magazine and in 2019 by Detroit Home Magazine. We offer a…
Learn More
Directory default
Our mission is to provide the population access to one of the most seasoned & well-trained…
Learn More
Directory default
Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce MemberImply By Design is a Michigan-owned, full-service…
Learn More
Directory default
Call Jo, Get Jo. FREE initial confidential consultation. Family Law, Bankruptcy, Real Estate,…
Learn More
Advertisement