Five individuals and one community organization will be presented awards at next weekend’s OutFest celebration.
“We try to acknowledge people that are beyond just being out and proud,” said Franny Price, executive director of Philly Pride Presents, which is staging the Oct. 8 event. “We choose people who are prestigious and who really deserve to be acknowledged for being out and proud.”
The following will be honored at OutFest:
- Gilbert Baker National OutProud Award: Michael P. Williams
- Jaci Adams OutProud Transgender Award: Tenika Watson
- OutProud Award: Bread & Roses Community Fund
- OutProud Couple Award: Ashley Coleman and Dena Underwood
- OutStanding Youth Award: Alex Phillips
Williams, a local attorney, drafted legislation that added protections based on gender identity to nondiscrimination laws in Philadelphia and New Hope.
“Michael has been a longtime activist, out and proud with who he is,” Price said. “When I first read his resume, I almost fell off my seat. I cannot list all of the things Michael did being out and proud.”
Watson survived a 1982 accident while in singer-songwriter Teddy Pendergrass’s car. Pendergrass became paralyzed from the neck down and media outlets outed her as a sex worker and transgender woman. The experience resulted in survivor’s guilt, ostracization from neighbors and a former drug and alcohol addiction, which she recounted in her book, “My Life is No Accident: A Memoir by Tenika Watson.”
“Our generation knows that she was with Teddy Pendergrass the night he had the accident but it was not easy for her,” Price said. “She got hurt too.”
The Bread & Roses Community Fund raises money to support community groups dedicated to racial equity and economic opportunity.
“They should get acknowledged for what they do. They’ve been doing this for 40 years,” Price said.
Coleman and Underwood will receive Philly Pride Presents’ first-time OutProud Couple Award. Price called them “the perfect OutProud Couple for this generation.” She noted Coleman’s leadership as general coordinator for Mazzoni Center’s Trans Health Conference and with the organization’s front-line staff.
“She is definitely a leader and will continue to grow as an even bigger leader,” Price said.
Additionally, Price recalled her own work with Underwood, a local musician.
“I know every time I asked Dena to do something, she never says no. She’s somebody that we’re very proud of,” Price said. “She has a beautiful voice.”
The Attic Youth Center selected Phillips for the OutStanding Youth Award. The Rowan University theater-arts major has had short stories, poems and op-eds published in outlets such as Teen Vogue and GLSEN.org.
“Alex is truly exemplary and well-deserving,” Carrie Jacobs, executive director of The Attic, said in a statement to PGN. “They have demonstrated commitment and leadership as a member of The Attic Youth Center and to the LGBTQ youth movement. Upon meeting Alex, you quickly realize their positive energy, which is one of the unique features of this very unique person.”
Oufest will take place noon-6 p.m. Oct. 8 along 12th and 13th streets, between Walnut and Spruce.