The organization behind Palm Springs Pride will recognize seven local residents as award recipients at the Pride Honors Awards at the end of September.
“The spirit of giving runs deep within the heart and soul of each honoree,” Palm Springs Pride President Ron deHarte said in a press release. “They lead by example and live life with compassion and love for others. They have advocated for equality and social justice and they have marched against systems of oppression to ensure realization of economic and social rights for all.”
Five of the seven award recipients are women from all walks of life who are making a difference for all residents of Palm Springs. Award recipients include two educators who have influenced generations of youth, and a local chapter of a world-wide nonprofit organization.
Recognized as Advocate of the Year, Lisa Middleton became the first transgender person ever elected to any non-judicial office in California when she was elected to Palm Springs City Council last November. Middleton is an active community leader who works tirelessly building bridges within the community and promoting collaborative relationships between neighborhoods and the people of Palm Springs.
As a dedicated community volunteer Sherry Fulton is recognized as the Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year. From selling girl scout cookies to documenting the life stories of lesbians, Fulton is a behind the scenes volunteer who demonstrates leadership by helping others.
Recognized as an up-and-coming leader, who aspires to further the
rights and medical care of transgender people in the world, Lena Ingram is the recipient of the 2018 Emerging Leader Award.
“This is not a group that seeks attention or applause,”deHarte said. “They quietly serve and we are grateful for the profound impact they have had and continue to have in our community.”
Lynn Hammond will be honored with the 2018 Friend of Pride award for being inspiration to others for her community involvement, volunteerism and for defining what success as a socially minded, women-owned business entrepreneur.
The Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Award recognizes Denise Goolsby, a twenty-two-year resident, community leader and advocate who works to improve the quality of life in Palm Springs for all.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Doug Hairgrove and Warren “Woody” Wood, who have devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring youth.
Lastly, celebrated as the Organization of the Year, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a charitable organization that has raised $100,000 for LGBT charities over the past 10 years.
The Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards are presented annually to individuals to honor the work they have put into furthering the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies. The awards reception will take place Sept. 26 from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Palm. Proceeds from the reception will support the Pride organization’s efforts to foster Pride in and respect for the region’s LGBT communities. For more information about Greater Palm Springs Pride, visit www.pspride.org. The 2018 Palm Springs Pride Week is scheduled for November 1-4.
