The community has spoken!
We asked for nominations for this year’s Power Awards and nominate you did. The vast and varied list of amazing people that poured into our inboxes instilled the warmest sense of pride for everyone in our office, knowing that we’re surrounded by talented, hardworking people dedicated to progressing equal rights for the LGBT community. Narrowing the list wasn’t easy, but we set out to highlight the many areas that received the help they deserved thanks to the perseverance of this year’s Power Award winners.
The official 2014 Out Front Magazine Power Party Award winners are as follows with quotes from the community members who nominated them.
One Colorado:
“If I need to know what policies will directly affect me and my little gay family, I can turn to One Colorado for updates. There’s nothing else like that here in Colorado.”
One Colorado is a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to securing and protecting equality and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Coloradans and their families.
They work towards that goal by effectively advocating for LGBT Coloradans and their families and by lobbying the General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments on issues like safe schools, relationship recognition, and LGBT health and human services.
Their vision is a fair and just Colorado.
John Kelly:
“John Kelly does more work for the LGBTQI community than anyone I know, and he does it all as a volunteer without seeking recognition for his efforts. He deserves the award!”
Mark Ferrandino:
“In just a few short years we have seen Colorado take an incredible journey, one that has shown the best our state has to offer. Under Mark Ferrandino’s leadership, our state is stronger, more prosperous, and certainly more equal. Not just for the LGBT community — Mark’s made sure everyone has a fair shot. He shaped history and changed lives. His legacy represents a fierce commitment to this state and the tenacity to mobilize gridlock around a unified vision. Mark Ferrandino was Colorado’s first openly gay Speaker, but he didn’t run to make history. He ran to make a difference.”
Ginger Douglas:
“The short version is that Ginger Douglas and her fabulous, iconic self has raised over $100k for the community! She deserves the recognition!”
Angel Bradley:
“Angel Bradley lost a son to suicide August 7th 2012. He was bullied and struggled with depression but her son Devin James Bradley was also the kindest soul. In the last two years Angel has started the foundation Devin 4 Life, dedicated to helping kids embrace life and battle depression. She reaches out to anyone needing help and has impacted Colorado Springs in a huge way.”
Courtney Gray:
“I’m not sure I know anyone who works harder than Courtney at making sure trans issues aren’t overlooked. From her work with the Denver Sheriff’s Department’s policy concerning trans inmate issues, to traveling to The White House for confer with international supporters of trans rights, she’s tireless in her commitment to positive change and education for the community. With Courtney advocating for trans rights, we’re in good hands making sure the T is not silent.”
Debra Johnson:
Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson has spent her life fighting for equality and justice—as she knows these principles will strengthen the very foundation of our economy, and the fabric of our state.
Colorado is filled with extraordinary families who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives—and Debra Johnson has continued to stand with every loving family. We admire her most for those contributions she makes every day to the City of Denver, and the courage that progresses Colorado forward.
There are some things people do for themselves. But there are things, especially as an elected official, that must be done for others. Despite opposition, Clerk Johnson believes every Coloradan deserves to experience marriage fully, equally, and without compromise. That’s leadership.
DeMarcio Slaughter:
“DeMarcio has volunteered at the GLBT Community Center for over ten years. He’s an invaluable resource, helping us find housing for guest artists during PrideFest, as well as helping us secure very important sponsorships that make the festival — and other programs — possible. He recently volunteered to join The Center’s board of directors, and taken on a leadership role to support our programs and help fundraising efforts.”
Anthony Aragon:
“Anthony’s been a dedicated public servant for over 25 years serving the GLBT community silently behind the scenes. He continues to be involved with organizations like the Matthew Shepard Foundation, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Imperial Court, Denver Gay and Lesbian Flag Football League, among others. His service comes from the heart and he wants to ensure that during his lifetime, individuals who suffer discrimination of any kind can overcome that discrimination to find a place of equality here in Colorado.”
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For more information on the Power Party, please visit: www.www.outfrontmagazine.com/power
Watch the Power Party Videos at: www.www.outfrontmagazine.com/powerpartyvideo
Get your tickets at: www.www.outfrontmagazine.com/powerpartytickets
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For more details on the ways they’ve positively affected change in our community, be sure to pick up Out Front Magazine’s Power Party Issue, on stands Oct. 1.
