Kwanzaa at the Pride Center

The Health and Community Services Programs in collaboration with Black Gay Pride South Florida hosted a very well attended celebration of unity, art, culture and community for Kwanzaa. The African-American community was encouraged to know their HIV/AIDS status and invited to make the Pride Center at Equality Park their resource for counseling,
testing, and referrals.

Black Gay Pride at The Pride Center

The Pride Center at Equality Park Sponsored the 12 Annual Black Gay Pride South FloridaCelebration, a weekend celebrated through the performing, visual and cinematic arts.  Theopening evening was capped off with a proclamation declaring February 26th Black GayPride Day in the city of Wilton Manors by Commissioner Julie Carson.

First Latino Summit

The Pride Center hosted the first Latino HIV/AIDS Leadership Summit. More than 180 com-munity leaders discussed how to mobilize within the Latino community. The Summit wasorganized by a partnership between Latinos en Acción of Broward County, the FloridaLatino HIV/AIDS Advisory Group, and the Florida Department of Health Statewide LatinoAIDS Coordinator with the capacity building assistance program at the Latino Commissionon AIDS.  Participants shared experiences in community mobilization and practiced inaction planning workgroups.

Winter Wonderland Party

PALS volunteers organized a very successful WinterWonderland party for graduates, friends, family mem-bers and community supporters of the LIFE Program.Over 100 people attended this reunion event.  Sponsorsincluded Panache Style, Stork’s Bakery, Mama’s Cakes,To The Moon, Java Boys and Andrews Diner.

Seniors Exercise Classes

Enhanced Fitness focuses on physical activity and is designed to help olderadults at all levels of fitness to become more active, energized and empow-ered to live independent lives.  The Enhanced Fitness program at the PrideCenter draws over 30 seniors per class.  The Center offers six classes per week.

Coffee and Conversation

“Coffee and Conversation” is just one component of the Pride Center’ssenior programming.  Over 60 LGBTQ seniors meet weekly for conversa-tion, food, programs and friendship. The senior group gathers in numbersexceeding 120 for special holidays.

Founders Reception at Hyatt Regency Pier Top

Monthly cocktail reception for major financial supporters of the Center.   Sponsors for Stars of the Rainbow enjoyed a martini tasting before the event.  Have you considered becoming a Founders Circle member?

Flea Market

The Pride Center continuesto provide a busy, popularflea market the firstSaturday of every monthon the Equality Park cam-pus in Wilton Manors.Over 100 vendors offercrafts, plants, furniture,antiques and clothing.  Allproceeds support the mis-sion-driven work of theCenter.  Come visit!

Safe Schools Bullying Training

To address the total health and well-being of LGBT youth in the wake of anumber of LBGT youth suicides, the Health and Community ServicesPrograms partnered with Safe Schools South Florida to train, equip andempower educators to help keep LGBT youth safe in our schools.

Founders Reception at Allied Kitchen and Bath

Monthly cocktail reception for major financial support-ers of the Center.  Guests were encouraged to bring atoy for disadvantaged children.  The funds donated byFounders Circle members underwrite vital programsand services to the community.

LBT Women Art Expressions

The works of 10 local women who served an important role in the artisticcommunity were featured at The LBT Women Art Expressions GalleryOpening and Reception.  The collection was as eclectic and unique aseach of the women who shared a part of herself with every creation.

World AIDS Day

Inspired by Annie Lennox’s campaign, Pride Center vol-unteers spearheaded an effort to provide t-shirts pro-claiming “HIV Positive” for World AIDS Day.  Regardlessof health status, gender, sexual orientation, race or cul-ture, Pride Center staff, volunteers and friends walkedin solidarity through Wilton Manors.  On this day, allembraced a positive mindset to combat stigma andadvocate for vital services for people living withHIV/AIDS.

Photo: Drop in “Living Room” space partially funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation grant encourages positive social support.

The Pride Center’s well-known PALS (Positive Action for Living Safely) Project recently received a $75,000 grant from the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The newly funded “LIFE Goes On” program will allow PALS to upgrade its service to the community through peer education, wellness seminars, provider training and a drop-in space.

“This grant allows PALS to expand health and prevention work not only to men who are living with HIV but also to those in the community who are at risk for HIV,” says Frank Gurucharri, PALS Project Manager. “This is a natural evolution of our ongoing LIFE Program.”

New education and coaching opportunities will allow community members to develop behavioral health skills to enhance and protect their health and the health of their partners.

The PALS Project currently offers health education, wellness empowerment, riskreduction counseling, service linkage, and emotional and practical support to the nearly 9,500 gay and bisexual men living with HIV in Broward County. PALS also offers two well known workshops: the five-week CHOICES program and the 17-week LIFE Program. PALS helps men lead safer, richer lives.

“For the last five years, the impressive performance of PALS Project staff and volunteers has allowed the Center to impact the lives and health of local gay, bisexual and transgender- identified men,” says Kristofer Fegenbush, Deputy Director of the Pride Center. “The expanding role of our Center as a hub of gay culture and advocate for HIV education, prevention and wellness support uniquely positions us to be highly successful in our collaboration with the Elton John AIDS Foundation.”

The new LIFE Goes On program will fund six areas of service. First, a wellness series of community presentations begins next week with a “Happy Hiney Health” dinner seminar. Second, PALS will develop PALS Peer Partners, a certification course and ongoing professional development coaching for volunteer peer educators. Third, the program will provide several peer-led community presentations on HIV, stigma and identify, including narratives from individuals living with HIV. Fourth, LIFE Goes On will provide HIV self-management educational seminars for community based providers. Fifth, the program will offer oneday self management workshops for people newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Finally, the grant has allowed the establishment of a functioning “Living Room” drop-in space on the Equality Park campus. This safe space will encourage positive social support with community resource information, HIV/STI testing and intervention referrals, and linkages to health resources.

“Now PALS expands its peer power even more,” says Ralph Caraglia, longtime peer educator and volunteer. “This allows PALS volunteers greater opportunities to ‘give back’ by preventing HIV and improving the health of our communities.”

Broward County, according to the latest (2006-08) epidemiological reports by the Florida Department of Health, has the highest rate of all HIV cases (59%) in the State. Annual participation in PALS programming has grown by more than 450% in the last three years, which includes helping the men already living with HIV in Broward County to enjoy healthier lives and to lower their risks of transmission. PALS’ LIFE and CHOICES programs are funded by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of HIV/AIDS.

By PAUL HYMAN

Returning Board members Richard Stoll and David Feinberg have assumed officer roles on the Board. Richard began his term as Board President in January and David serves as the new Board Secretary. As the Board grows, the Center is supported by their solid leadership. Kristofer Fegenbush has served as PALS Project Manager at the Center for the last five years. In January 2011, he began his new role as the Center’s Deputy Director. Kristofer’s established record as a seasoned manager and strong leader, renders him a well-prepared candidate to oversee the Center’s programs and operations.

Newly appointed Board member, Lea Krauss — originally from Long Island, NY, has resided in Greater Fort Lauderdale since 2000. Lea is also a Director of the Gay & Lesbian Lawyer’s Network of Broward County, has her own Criminal Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale and is a former Broward County prosecutor. Ms. Krauss focuses her law practice in the areas of general criminal defense, domestic violence restraining orders and traffic ticket defense. Ms. Krauss resides in Fort Lauderdale and enjoys the companionship of her long-term partner and their two dogs.

The Center also welcomes Jason Burns to the new Major Gifts Officer role at the Center. Jason comes to the Pride Center with a strong work history, most recently as a member of the Development Team at United Way of Broward County. With significant experience in local community involvement and political activism, Jason was a police officer for more than four years until an injury on the job introduced the need for career change. In his role as Major Gifts Officer, Jason’s primary focus will be on both Founders Circle membership development and on the Center’s Vision 2015 Capital Campaign, as well as related corporate and foundation sponsorships. Jason looks forward to blending his passion for his career with achieving ever increasing fiscal sustainability at The Pride Center.

“This is an historic month at the Pride Center for women,” says Donna Woessner, Women and Senior Service Coordinator at The Pride Center. “We are thrilled to be offering a wide range of events in celebration of Women’s History Month.”

Women’s History Month is an annual declared month worldwide that highlights contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. The National Women’s History Project has named this year’s Women’s History Month 2011 – Our History is Our Strength. In honor of this theme, the women at the Pride Center and throughout the community have organized events that will highlight some of our history throughout the decades.

For Women Only: Spaces, Organizations, Events and Publications Created by and for Women – A 13-panel retrospective provided by Stonewall Library and Archives. This exhibit explores the history and implications of some of these special spaces for women.

Installation – Friday, March 18, Will displayed for the rest of the month of March.

Simply … Woman: A Symposium – A free day-long event featuring plenary sessions about the state of LGBT rights in Florida and nationally, a generational round table, breakout groups, networking and more. Breakfast and lunch will be offered. Saturday, March 19, 2011, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

“Naked with Fruit”, by Meryl Cohen – A Lesbian play reading presented by the Women’s Theatre Project, Saturday, March 19, 2011, 8- 9 p.m., Tickets $10.

Speak Fire: Womyn’s Spirituality Conference – A free event that brings together spiritual leaders in the women’s community to empower them to reconnect with the spirit and truth inside. Saturday, March 26, 2011, 12noon – 6 p.m. South Florida Womyn’s Music Fest – A free event that features the best of South Florida’s independent music scene. Saturday, March 26, 2011, 7 – 9 p.m.

The Pride Center’s S.F. Makalani-Mahee states, “These events are designed to encourage women to speak and sing in their own unique voice.”

For more information about the Pride Center or this event, please contact Linda Jain, Program Operations Manager or Donna Woessner, Women and Senior Services Coordinator at (954) 463-9005.

“Bullied” chronicles the story of Jamie Nabozny, a student from Ashland, Wisconsin who stood up to his anti-gay tormentors with a federal lawsuit. The suit led to a landmark decision that held school officials accountable. Despite that ruling, anti- LGBTQ bullying continues to be a severe problem. Today more than 80 percent of LGBTQ students report being harassed at school. Schools across the country still are unwilling or afraid to openly address anti-gay bullying.

The panel discussion after the movie will feature the Southern Poverty Law Center, Sheriff Al Lamberti and Paul Hyman from the Pride Center. Admission is a $100 tax-deductible donation.

For more information contact Jason Burns at (954) 463-9005 or jburns@PrideCenterFlorida.org.

Last month, the Pride Center hosted Broward County’s first Transgender Medical Conference. Over 80 medical and clinical professionals participated actively in the day’s activities.

“For those in our community that identify as transgender, there are significant challenges accessing culturally competent medical and clinical services,” says Linda Jain, Program Operations Manager at the Center. “This conference represented one step towards addressing those challenges.”

The Symposium aimed to educate the medical and clinical communities about the unique care required for this medically underserved community. “Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey” states that 50% of the respondents reported having to teach their medical providers about transgender care and 28% postponed care when sick or injured due to discrimination.

The Pride Center collaborated with the Broward County Health Department, SunServe and the Florida Caribbean AIDS Education and Training Center to plan and execute the successful event.

Speakers included: Marilyn Volker, Ph.D., a Board Certified Sexologist; JoAnne Keatley, MSW, Director for Transgender Health at the University of California; James Lopresti, PH.D., L.M.H.C, founding Director for Mental Health Services for SunServe; and M. Layne Yassesn, PA, specializing in Psychiatry, Neurology and Transgender Medicine.

“The positive feedback we’ve received since hosting the Symposium has been overwhelming,” says Jain. “The collaborative energies of so many groups will enable us to expand this event in the future.”

Photo: Listron “Blue” Mannix 

Recently, Pride Center Testing (PCT) began off-site HIV counseling and testing in several new locations throughout South Florida.

The Club Fort Lauderdale, a local private gentleman’s club, welcomed PCT to provide testing services on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight and at the popular Sunday poolside barbeque from 12 noon to 5 p.m. PCT added three private testing sites through Broward Addiction and Recovery Centers in Coral Springs and Fort Lauderdale. The Pride Center now also provides weekly testing at Ana G. Mendez University in Miramar on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and provides testing at Florida Atlantic University health fairs and other local events.

“We’re excited about these expansion opportunities,” says Listron “Blue” Mannix, Minority Testing Initiative Manager for the Pride Center. “As we further develop our relationship with the communities we serve, Pride Center Testing will flourish. We continue to encourage the community to seek testing. We commit to providing timely results and offering thoughtful, compassionate counseling. We continue our role in the overall strategy to fight HIV/AIDS in our communities.”

In 2008, the Center began off-site testing — in addition to its popular on-site Rapid HIV Testing — at the Cooperative Feeding Program, a local homeless shelter. The Center continues to test there every Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Center also began testing at the Black Banana Night Club in 2008. Since then, PCT has been involved in testing at community events, health fairs and other organizational locations.

“Over the years, we’ve developed a good reputation and relationship both with the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowing us to become a leading provider of HIV testing, counseling, referral and linkage to care in the community,” says Mannix. “We’ve been doing this well for over 15 years.”

At the Equality Park campus on Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, the Pride Center’s free Confidential Rapid HIV Testing hours for walk-ins are Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 noon to 4:30 p.m.

For additional information, please email FreeHIVTest@pridecenterflorida. org or call (954) 566-3553.

In addition to naming and recognition opportunities for larger donors, the campaign’s Visionary Club level makes it easy for almost anyone to contribute. “The Visionary Club invites 1,000 people to donate $1,000 per year for five years. At this affordable level, we can include everyone in providing a debt-free Center for generations to come.” states Mr. Tinklepaugh.

An automatic, tax deductible credit card donation of less than $90 per month, puts you in the driver’s seat of making Vision 2015 a reality.

For information about Vision 2015 donating and volunteering opportunities, please contact Jason Burns, Major Gifts Officer at jburns@PrideCenterFlorida.org.

On Sunday, March 20, the Pride Center again will participate in the 10-kilometer Florida AIDS Walk through Fort Lauderdale. All funds specifically raised by the Pride Center team will return to the Center for use in vital services and programs to people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Center’s team will be joined by thousands of others committed to action to halt the escalating spread of HIV/AIDS in South Florida.

“I clearly remember last year’s AIDS Walk,” says Joe Guerrero, the team’s top fundraiser. “I walked up to a sea of green Pride Center t-shirts worn by men and women, young and old, inclusive of a true community.”

Last year’s Pride Center team raised around $23,000. Local lives benefitted from that success.

“I marched with pride realizing the impact the money I raised would go back directly to help my HIV positive brothers and sisters at the Center,” says Guerrero.

Guerrero again sets an ambitious pace for the Center’s participation in the Walk. He’s the second-highest individual fundraiser for the Walk of all teams and participants.

“I have raised over $9,000 from my family and friends,” says Guerrero. “I look forward to walking with my Pride Center family as we work as one for those we have lost and for those alive that still need our help.”

The Pride Center team boasts many outstanding fundraisers, including Douglas Cureton, Tony Miceli, Chris Caputo, Ralph Caraglia, Paul Mullen, Anthony Johnson, Keith Ackerman, Jim Cooper, Jeff Black, Shelly Weinrib, Stacy Shervan and Will Cudequest. Their efforts — and the work of the more than 75 other Pride Center walkers — will make a difference in our community long after the walk.

“I promise you when you walk with The Pride Center family at this year’s AIDS Walk, you will walk away with some beautiful memories and a full heart,” says Guerrero. “Will you join us?”

Opportunities still exist to join or sponsor the Pride Center team financially. Contact Kristofer Fegenbush at kfegenbush@PrideCenterFlorida.org or (954) 463-9005 for more information, or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org and follow the AIDS Walk link to our team page. The Florida AIDS Walk is presented by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and its services worldwide in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS.

By Bob Kecskemety

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. for this year’s “Stars of the Rainbow” which celebrates its eighteenth anniversary celebrating the best our community has to offer.

2011 Stars of the Rainbow Honorees represent individuals, businesses and organizations that exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and activism. Honorees have represented the LGBTQ community in a positive light, and have supported the efforts of the Pride Center.

Only a limited number of $150 tickets are still available for what promises to be the social event of the season located in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, 2301 S.E. 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale. To purchase tickets go to PrideCenterFlorida.org.

This year’s event will be emceed by Bishop S. F. Makalani-MaHee and Donna Woessner and includes great entertainment, terrific hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and outstanding company and fellowship in service to our community.

Wachovia/Wells Fargo is the Presenting Sponsor of the event. 100% of all monies collected through ticket sales and donations support the programs and services of the Pride Center at Equality Park. The Pride Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

For information about additional underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, please contact David Yalen, Membership Development Coordinator at (954) 463-9005 or email dyalen@pridecenterflorida.org.

And the Honorees Are …

Our honorees represent individuals, civic groups and businesses that exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and activism. They have dedicated their time and support in making the Pride Center at Equality Park what it has become today.

Pastor Leslie Tipton of the Church of the Holy SpiritSong – Board Member Star of the Year

Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Rev. Leslie Tipton refers to herself as a “Valley Girl.” After earning a B.A. in Psychology at San Diego State University in 1986, she served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the United States Marine Corps for over ten years. Rev. Tipton has lived in the Fort Lauderdale area since 2003 and served for three years as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Pride Center at Equality Park. She is an ordained Reverend in the Christian faith and serves as the Associate Pastor of Administration and Outreach at Church of the Holy SpiritSong in Wilton Manors, FL, on the Campus of Equality Park. Pastor Leslie is very active in the South Florida community. She resides in Miramar with her wonderful wife, Sandra and their many pets. “

It is with humility that I accept this award,” said Reverend Tipton in response to being chosen the Pride Center Board Member Star of the Year. “My service to our community is in direct response to God’s call on my life and that is, in part, to let the GLBTQI community in South Florida know that God loves them and accepts them just the way they are. Don’t let anyone tell you differently!”

Nikki Adams of Broward House and Donna Markland of the Broward County Health Department – Community Stars of the Year

Nikki Adams’ career as a female impersonator has spanned over 34 years, traveling throughout the United States and abroad bringing her unique act and much soughtafter emcee capabilities to countless nightclubs, theaters, corporate events and fundraisers for varied LGBT and mainstream organizations. On a national and local basis, she has helped raise millions of dollars for charity. In the mid-80s, she pioneered a gay variety/talk television show called “Way Off Broadway” costarring with her friend and mentor, Dana Manchester. Nikki also played the role of Carlina in the movie “Catherine’s Grove” and appeared in music videos for Evelyn Thomas and Gloria Estefan. Along the way, Nikki has captured numerous titles including Miss Florida F.I. and Miss Continental Elite.

In 2009, Nikki signed on with Broward House as Community Liaison, lending her skills with event production, promotion and fundraising to Broward County’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS organization. “Though garnering numerous accolades throughout my career,” said Nikki, “I am humbled for this recognition from the community I call home. It is my pleasure and privilege to serve as a representative for South Florida, and I do so with great PRIDE!”

Donna Markland serves as the Minority AIDS Coordinator at the Broward County (Florida) Health Department / HIV/AIDS Program Office. She provides capacity building, technical assistance for minority communities and she also supervises the Prenatal HIV Program.

Ms. Markland chairs the HIV/AIDS Minority Network, Black Advisory Group in Broward County. The Network, and collaborating partner agencies in the community, have launched several HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives in the comm u n i t y s u c h a s : street outreach, leadership training and multicultural, multi-ethnic prevention efforts to bring about HIV/AIDS awareness to hard-toreach populations in Broward County. Donna has also worked on numerous HIV/AIDS Hispanic Latino initiatives since the inception of the Broward Community Planning Partnership.

The Trevor Project Non – Profit Star of the Year

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization and the leading national organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. The Trevor Project operates The Trevor Lifeline, a tollfree number and confidential service staffed by trained counselors. The Trevor Project also provides guidance and vital resources to parents and educators in order to foster safe, accepting and inclusive environments for all youth at home and at school.

Executive Director Charles Robbins has spent his career in non-profit management. From founding organizations to serving in senior fundraising and development roles at some of the most prominent LGBTQ organizations in the country, Charles is a seasoned leader and passionate advocate. During his four-year tenure at The Trevor Project, the full-time staff has grown from five to 24 and the annual budget has quadrupled to $4 million. Charles is a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the National Lifeline Suicide Prevention Consumer/Survivor Subcommittee, the Suicide Prevention Plan Advisory Committee for the California Department of Mental Health, and the California LGBT Health Network. His professional experience includes serving as development director for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, various senior fundraising roles at GLAAD and founding Project Angel Heart, a Denver-based nonprofit. A Colorado native, Charles holds a certificate in non-profit administration from the University of Colorado, Denver, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. When he’s not leading the Trevor staff, you’ll find Charles spending time with his husband, Damon, in Los Angeles or Palm Springs.

South Florida Gay News Norm Kent, Publisher – Media Star of the Year

The successor to Express Gay News, SFGN was inaugurated in January of 2010, designed to be a progressive, credible, newsworthy LGBT newspaper for South Florida, illuminating the lives, breadth and dimensions of the LGBT community. SFGN prides itself on reporting openly and honestly on the community’s wins as well as its wounds, its accomplishments as well as its failures. Its publisher, Norm Kent, is a constitutional rights and criminal defense attorney who has been practicing law in South Florida for over 30 years. Formerly the morning drive radio talk show host for WFTL 850 AM, Kent has served on the Board of Directors of local AIDS agencies, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws.

“Our management and staff appreciate the acknowledgement that this award embraces,” said Kent in response to being chosen the Media Star of the Year. “However, for a free community print newspaper to survive in the 21st century, even one with a niche as clearly defined as our own, the very people here giving us this award also have to support our efforts and energies with an ongoing financial commitment in advertising, determining for yourselves if you want the history of the LGBT community written by guides showing shirtless men holding up cocktails or fact-driven newspapers which chronicle our lives. The future and that choice, is ours to make.”

U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz – Public Official Stars of the Year

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen represents Florida’s 18th Congressional District, a diverse area which includes Miami, Little Havana, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Miami Beach, Westchester and the Florida Keys. RosLehtinen was born in Havana, Cuba and at the age of eight, her family was forced to flee the oppressive communist regime of Fidel Castro where the family settled in Miami.

In 1982, she was elected to the Florida State House of Representatives and the Florida Senate in 1986, becoming the first Hispanic woman to serve in either body and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1989 — the first Hispanic woman to serve in Congress.

She has been a long-time supporter of policies that help end discrimination and violence against individuals as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity expression.

She was a founding member of the House Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. The Caucus works toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well being for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity expression. She fought tirelessly to repeal the oppressive “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy of the military. She cosponsored the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act and to provide assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of violent, biasmotivated crimes among other pro equal rights legislation.

For more than eighteen years, Debbie Wasserman Schultz has dedicated her public life to working on behalf of the people of South Florida. On January 4, 2005, she was sworn in as a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Florida’s 20th Congressional District which includes portions of Miami Beach, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale and west to Sunrise. As Founding Vice-Chair of the House LGBT Caucus, Rep. Wasserman Schultz has consistently voted to expand civil rights for the LGBT community by ensuring federal protection from hate-motivated violence and by providing remedies for unfair discrimination in the workplace. She has fought for equality for all of Florida’s families — from full marriage equality to repealing Florida’s painful ban that prohibits loving gay and lesbian parents from adopting children. Just a few months ago Rep. Wasserman Schultz voted in favor of repealing the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that prevents gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the armed forces. She also supports the Obama Administrations recent decision to stop defending the unconstitutional ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ (DOMA) in federal court. While making strong progress toward equality, Rep. Wasserman Schultz knows we have a long way to go to achieve true equal opportunity for LGBT Americans who still face undue prejudice and treatment.

“I am humbled to receive this honor from the Pride Center,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “As your representative in Washington, I promise to continue my fight for equality and justice so that we may all live, love and prosper in a more perfect union.”

Arthur B. Smith Tyler Healis – Sustainability Award

Arthur Smith moved to South Florida in 1987. Already a successful lawyer in Massachusetts, Smith decided he would sell his house up north, close his law offices and relocate to South Florida where he specializes in real estate development, estate planning and corporate law. Over the years, Smith represented many estates which have contributed to the Pride Center at Equality Park. He also represented the John C. Graves estate which oversaw the creation of the John C. Graves Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, from which the Pride Center has received sizeable grants. Mr. Smith represents the Gilbert Corwin estate which has bequested $350,000 to the Pride Center.

PALS Project Volunteers  – Volunteer Star of the Year

For years, the PALS Project has provided local gay, bisexual and transgender- identified men with vital social support, accurate HIV information and effective tools to lead safer, richer lives. Two of the guiding principles in the PALS Project are to “give back” and to use “peer support”. Non-paid staff (volunteers) are graduates of the PALS programs and who come back to work in partnership with paid staff in almost all aspects of initiatives. Volunteer serve as: (1) peer facilitators in programs, small groups and individual coaching sessions; (2) peer educators in community workshops; (3) quality assurance/improvement evaluators; (4) customer relations specialists; (5) activity/event planners; and (6) care team associates to help participants with special needs. PALS volunteers provide the Center and the community literally with thousands of hours of service each year. In addition, PALS volunteers spearheaded the Pride Center’s participation in 2010 Florida AIDS Walk, raising over $23,000 for HIV/AIDS services at the Center.

“I received so much from the LIFE program that I became passionate about giving back and helping my brothers who are HIV-positive,” says Will Cudequest, one PALS volunteer. “But what really happened is that I got even much more back when I volunteered! Thank you so much — my life has changed!”

“Without the daily service, energy and dedication of volunteers, the PALS Project as we know it wouldn’t exist. Period,” says Kristofer Fegenbush, Deputy Director of the Center. “I’m inspired, humbled and challenged by how they impact the lives of so many people in our community — regardless of health status, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or income — including mine.”

Will Spencer -  Alan Schubert Humanitarian Award

Will Spencer moved from New England to Fort Lauderdale over 23 years ago. He’s an avid tennis fan, is openly gay and HIV positive who has lived without traditional medications for over 17 years – he is also a major advocate for complementary therapies. For the bulk of the last 15 years, Spencer has been a full time volunteer for many different charitable organizations. He currently or has sat on the board of directors for the Broward County HIV Health Services Planning Council, CAMP4Health, Kids in Distress, Children’s’ Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Dublin School (Dublin, NH), Gay and Lesbian Fund, Broward AIDS Partnership and is a lifetime member of Leadership Broward.

Spencer is also a Pride Center Founders Circle member, supporter of the Transformers and Sunflower Circle of Friends, Broward House Spirit of Hope Society recipient, a member of the Legacy Society and the list goes on and on.

“Being honored is always a double-edged experience,” said Spencer upon hearing that he is receiving a Stars of the Rainbow Award this year. “On one hand it is especially nice to be recognized for doing what I can. On the other, Cleve Jones (founder of The Quilt and visionary pioneer for the LGBT movement) once wisely pointed out that, ‘It feels a bit as if I am a fraud, not worthy. I get so much more in return than I could ever fully express with words.’”