Outword.Today - Heroes 2017
On March 15th, the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund announced via a press release on Philly Gay Calendar it’s five HEROES for 2017. Beginning 11 years ago, the HEROES have been DVLF’s effort to “identify youth, adults, non-profits, straight-allies & businesses who have bold ideas, act with selfless intention, are admired for their integrity, and are regarded as courageous in advancing the equality of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender community in the Delaware Valley and beyond.” There will be a brunch and awards ceremony held April 9th, 2017 at the Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tickets and sponsorships are available now. Below are the five 2017 recipients, along with the profiles DVLF gave each on their Facebook page.
Individual Hero: Sergio Morales-Garcia
“We are so excited to announce Sergio Morales-Garcia as our Adult Hero Award recipient. Sergio has overcome stigma, discrimination, homelessness, and isolation. Despite these struggles, his resilience and belief in himself propelled him into a life of giving back to others who reflect his lived experience. His grit and determination eventually led him to GALAEI – A Queer Latino Social Justice Organization, where his title was HIV Tester, but his role was so much more. Sergio is a HERO and a leader who makes the impossible possible!”
Youth Hero: Giana Graves
“She has dedicated so much of her time to youth activism within our community. Giana has helped train numerous housing and social services providers across Philadelphia on how to best work with the LGBTQ youth in their care. Thank you for all your hard work Giana!”
Business Hero: PHL Diversity
“We are proud to announce our Community Organization Hero Award recipient, PHL Diversity, a division of Discover Philadelphia. PHL Diversity continues to work to increase Philadelphia’s share of the multicultural meetings and tourism markets. PHL Diversity has also worked with key industry figures to help increase the presence of multicultural leaders in the industry. In the past year, PHL Diversity has shown a commitment to the LGBT community and has brought the National LGBTQ Task Force; Out and Equal; the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association; and the National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association all to Philadelphia.”
Non-Profit Hero: Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus
“PGMC has grown into the largest LGBT based choral organization in the region, with more than 120 members spreading its musical message of hope and inclusion to local gay and straight audiences. They are committed to performing pieces that address social issues relevant to the LGBT community. Over the last several years they have addressed, through music, the issues of teen suicide, the devastating effects of homophobia, and more.”
Lifetime Hero: Heshie Zinman
“Heshie has a long history of activism on both the local and national levels. He has a passionate commitment for the health and well being of LGBT and HIV communities, and helped shape Philadelphia’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He was also a driving force behind the start-up of ActionAIDS, AIDS Fund, SafeGuards Gay Men’s Health Project, and DVLF!”
To read DVLF’s original press release, please visit Philly Gay Calendar. Click here for tickets and information.
Source: https://outword.today/2017/03/delaware-valley-legacy-fund-heroes-2017/?utm_source=OUTWORD.Today&utm_campaign=6139c71f1b-DailyEmailCampaign-OutWord&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_56948cd686-6139c71f1b-274945797
