The OutProud Awards are part of OutFest, the annual block-party celebration in honor of National Coming Out Day. The awards recognize those who are doing notable work within and for LGBTQ equality. This year’s honorees are:
OutProud Award:
Anh Dang, Philly Fins and Philadelphia Falcons member; C.C. Tellez, Founder of Lez Run
Gilbert Baker National OutProud Award:
Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca, creator of The Gran Varones
Jaci Adams OutProud Transgender Award:
Nick and Sibil Mae Greiner
OutProud Couple:
The Rev. Jeffrey H. Jordan and David E. Pickett
Outstanding Youth Award:
Manny Pabon, The Attic Youth Center member
OutProud Friend:
Sen. Sharif Street, Third District
“I’ve been in service to the LGBTQ community in the city for a long time. I wanted to help other LGBTQ people of color on their journeys after coming out and be of service to a community that has given me so much. I helped to create the Pride Run, which is now a prominent part of Philly Pride, and I hope that legacy can live on.”
— Ahn Dang
“To be recognized at an event that means so much to me is huge. I started Lez Run in 2013 to provide a safe space specifically for lesbians in the running community. Every Wednesday we meet to run, train and talk about things going on in the community. Not only do we run and compete, but we also keep an eye on each other against discrimination and unfair play in athletics.”
— C.C. Tellez
“I saw that there was a lack of spaces for queer Latino men. I wanted to get stories from people from the ’hood, or from Latinos who were never invited to sit on panels or at the table because they weren’t ‘eloquent’ or their stories didn’t have great, inspiring endings to them. I wanted to paint a complete picture of what it’s like to be queer and Latino.”
— Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca
“We are continuing to advocate for trans people, especially those who may not have any support. I was fortunate to have a supportive family and a parent who transitioned right after I did.”
— Nick Greiner
“We serve the community at the Whosever Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia the same way the church served us when we needed it. Seeing a ‘Jesus loves you’ sign at my first Pride parade in 1993 held by the former pastor of the church set me on the path that ultimately led me to my husband.”
— The Rev. Jeffrey H. Jordan
“It’s great to see that even kids my age can have an impact on the community. I hope to inspire other youth in the LGBTQ community that their experiences are valid and that they matter.”
— Manny Pabon
“It’s an honor to be an ally to the LGBT community. For the past two years, I’ve worked to pass a resolution in the Senate recognizing the month of June as LGBT Pride Month in Pennsylvania in celebration of the LGBT community’s accomplishments and contributions to this commonweath. I’ve been working towards making a strong recommitment to fight for LGBT equality. This is one step of many in support of a resilient community that has always supported me.”
— Sen. Sharif Street
The OutProud Awards will be presented on the main stage at 2 p.m. Oct. 7 during OutFest..