Honoring those who do incredible work in our community.
Great Lakes Bay Pride Awards Banquet
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Honoring Your Contributions
In 2009, Great Lakes Bay Pride (then Perceptions) began an initiative to honor individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made positive contributions towards the advancement of LGBT+ equality in the Great Lakes Bay Region. We continue this initiative annually with the PRIDE Awards Banquet in June. Nominees are evaluated on the basis of leadership and commitment to the LGBT community.
Due to COVID-19, we are postponing the 12th Annual Great Lakes Bay Pride Awards Banquet to 2021. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.
Nominations
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our 2019 Sponsors:
Edie Windsor:
- Dr. Libby Pionk & Maryanne Eagle
- William Giorgis & Russell Inman
- Mike's Wrecker Service
- Evan Waddell
- Jerry Hilliard
- First Tri-Cities PRIDE by Dignity Tri-Cities, June 1985
Harvey Milk:
- Joan & Dave Brausch
- Rick Farrand & Bob Enszer
Ellen DeGeneres:
- Floyd Andrick
- Coldwell Bankers Professionals
Advocate:
- Leo Romo
Patron:
- Kitty Packard
- Tri-City Action for Peace
Become a Sponsor
Send Sponsor Form to:
Perceptions
P. O. Box 1525
Midland, MI 48641
Phone: 989-891-1429
Email: Info@PerceptionsMI.org
Award Winners
Use the filters below to select year, award type, or a combination to see award winners since the inception of the Great Lakes Bay PRIDE Awards Banquet.
- All Years
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
Donice Hannegan
2018, Lifetime AchievementDonice has been a pillar of the LGBT+ community, an advocate for workplace equality and a founding member of GLAD, Dow’s LGBT and ally employee resource network group at Dow Chemical Company in Midland. She has coordinated countless se...
Andrew Gardner-Northrop
2018, Champion of PrideAndrew is a social worker with Mid-Michigan Health and teaches Social Work at Saginaw Valley State University and LGBTQ activist for several years. As a former SVSU student, Gardner-Northrop shared education about: gay men being banned f...
Michael Beach & Greg Tebow
2018, Champion of PrideGreg and Michael have hosted a 4th of July celebration at their Bay City home since 1997 – twenty-one years this year. So many area LGBT and allies have enjoyed the celebrations in Bay City’s fireworks at their home. People felt acce...
Kevin Dedictoria
2018, Rising StarKevin is a 26 years old Saginaw resident and has demonstrated being a future leader of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) issues through education and advocacy. He attended Perceptions and PFLAG Tri-Cities meetings when he was...
Katrina Wrobel
2018, Rising StarKatrina is a strong ally and advocate of the LGBT community. Katrina educates others via inspiring diversity and inclusion presentations in Dow Chemical in Midland and other locations. She helped to develop basic inclusion awareness trai...
City of Bay City
2018, Political AwardThe City of Bay City became the 43rd city in the state of Michigan that adopted an anti-discrimination ordinance aimed at protecting of the LGBT community and individuals with physical and mental handicaps. The City of Bay City has been ...
Linda Schneider
2018, Business AwardLinda Schneider and Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) made an exceptional contribution to the LGBT and Ally communities in mental health. Under Linda Schneider, Clinical Director, the SCCMHA is entering its third ...
Michelle Brown
2018, EmceeMichelle Brown, based Detroit public speaker, author and activist, will be the emcee for the award banquet that includes a garden reception, catered dinner and an award ceremony. Tickets cost $30 each and $20 for students and those wit...
Angela Williams of Great Lakes Bay Health Centers
2017, Business AwardAngela Williams is the Special Projects Director at GLB Health Centers and has worked on LGBT issues with staff, students. parents, and the community–vital role for LGBT youth in Saginaw. GLB Health Centers is recognized for its contri...
Dr. Elizabeth “Libby” Pionk
2017, Rising StarDr. Elizabeth “Libby” Pionk is an “out” lesbian physician and has dedicated herself to family medicine with a special interest in LGBT health and associated medical cases, situations and policies where healthcare is not tailored ...
J. Steele-Louchart
2017, Rising StarJ. Steel-Louchart has been involved with the Saginaw Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Youth (SOGI YAC) and served as a volunteer with LGBT youth, he has been an active part of the MAX System of Care initiative at the Saginaw County...
Amy McDonald
2017, Champion of PrideAmy McDonald is a licensed professional counselor at Family and Children’s Services in Midland. She offers services to a wide range of clientele and specializes in LGBT, gender and sexuality issues. Amy has served the area LGBT communi...
Dr. Trevor Ewers
2017, Champion of PrideDr. Trevor Ewers is an associate research scientist and the Global Culture Change leader with GLAD (LGBT & Ally Employment Resource Group) for The Dow Chemical Company. Ewers, along with a small group, created and continues to lead the a...
Ellen Keeler
2017, Champion of PrideEllen Keeler is a Bay City mother and grandmother that was concerned when her transgender grandson (female to male) tried to commit suicide. She was surprised to learn that most trans people had no or little support from their families, ...
Vanessa Guerra
2017, Political AwardState Rep. Vanessa Guerra – House District 95, D-Bridgeport Township receives the Political Award for supporting and co-sponsoring legislation that would expand the Elliott-Larson Civil Rights Act to protect Michigan’s lesbian, gay, ...
RACHEL PRENZLER
2016, Business AwardRACHEL PRENZLER is an outpatient therapist at M.P.A. Group, a behavioral health treatment facility in Bay City. Prenzler has been involved in the LGBT community since 2007, helped to set up the Perceptions transgender sup-port group and ...
MORGAN WHITMAN
2016, Rising StarMORGAN WHITMAN, a 23-year old Bay City trans-gender man, is an organizer, advocate and a spokesperson for local transgender community. He is the new co-leader of Perceptions’ transgender discussion group, where he leads and determines...
DR. LUCY MERCIER
2016, Champion of PrideDR. LUCY MERCIER is a professor and depart-ment chair of Social Work and Youth Services at Saginaw Valley State University. Dr. Mercier is also director at SVSU’s Pride Center, which strives to better the lives of individuals who iden-...
DIGNITY TRI-CITIES
2016, Champion of PrideDIGNITY TRI-CITIES was a chapter of Dignity, a national organization of gay and lesbian Catholics, though all were welcome. Dignity Tri-Cities sponsored meetings and activities in Bay City, Saginaw and Mid-land: support and informative s...
DAVID M. TERRASI
2016, Political AwardDAVID M. TERRASI is a school and clinical psychologist who advocates for people with disabilities as well as sexual orientation or gender identity. David Terrasi and Victor Pafford were the first gay couple legally married in Bay County ...
REV. JUDITH BOLI
2016, Lifetime AchievementREV. JUDITH BOLI is a priest and pastor at Saginaw’s St. Paul Episcopal Church. In 1987, Rev. Boli and her late husband helped to organize “Citizens United Against Violence” to combat the anti-gay violence against Whisper’s, a sh...
Plant Fitness Midland
2015, Business AwardPlant Fitness, Midland, made national news when it defended the rights of a transgender woman who was a guest that came under attack for using the women’s locker room. The membership of the non-transgender woman who publicly protested,...
Cara Mitrano
2015, Rising StarCara Mitrano is a senior at Midland High School, where she helped start the school’s GSA. The GSA’s advocacy work raised awareness of LGBTQ issues through numerous activities, including Asexual Awareness Week, Transgender Day of Reme...
Brandon Errer
2015, Rising StarBrandon Errer is in his second year as president of Living Proud, the student-run LGBTQIA organization at Saginaw Valley State University. In the last year, Brandon helped convince SVSU’s Board of Control to change the school’s Equal...
Jodi Liebmann
2015, Rising StarJodi Liebmann is an out, loud and proud ally of the LGBTQIA community in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Through her tireless work with the Underground Railroad, she is a powerful advocate for the victims of sexual assault. He belief that pe...
Heather Avile
2015, Champion of PrideHeather Aviles is a Spanish Teacher at Midland High School, where three years ago she founded the A-Z Club, a very private organization that provided a safe space for LGBTQIA students who needed to protect their privacy. Currently, she i...
David Custer
2015, Champion of PrideDavid Custer is the 5:30 p.m. news anchor at WNEM-TV 5 in Saginaw. David is an out and unapologetic gay man whose community activism and his media presence empower LGBTQIA people to live authentic lives. He recently shared his own trauma...
Congressman Dan Kildee
2015, Political AwardCongressman Dan Kildee serves in the U.S. House of Representatives where he continues to work tirelessly for LGBTQIA people in Michigan’s 5th District and throughout the United States. Now in his second term, Mr. Kildee is the vice-cha...
Randy Hasso
2015, Lifetime AchievementRandy Hasso has lived and worked in suburban Saginaw almost all of his adult life. Over the course of almost 31 years, Randy has generously contributed his time, talents, resources, and treasures to the LGBTQIA and HIV/AIDS communities. ...
DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY
2014, Business AwardThe Dow Chemical Company supports the Perceptions Holiday Gala and other Perceptions events; sponsors the local Pride event, participates in the AIDS Walk, and provides funding for scholarships through the National PFLAG organization. Th...
CHARIN HUDSON DAVENPORT
2014, Rising StarCharin Davenport is a trans* activist for human rights and equality. Char spoke at nearly every pubic meeting in support of Human Rights Policies and Ordinances in Bay County and City of Saginaw. She put a human face to transgender issue...
REV. JEFF LIEBMANN
2014, Champion of PrideRev. Jeff Liebmann is minister to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland, a Welcoming Congregation. Since his arrival in 2011, he has testified before State House and Senate committees on issues including reproductive justice, ...
SVSU LIVING PROUD
2014, Champion of PrideSVSU Living Proud is the student-run LGBT and allies organization at Saginaw Valley State University. Living Proud provides resources, education on LGBT issues, and networking and socializing opportunities to LGBT students and allies. Li...
MONIKA SCIBA
2014, Champion of PrideMonika Sciba has worked at SVSU for several years as registrar and academic advisor, and is now the special assistant in the Dean’s Office of the College of Health & Human Services. A former advisor to SVSU Living Proud, Monika is curr...
DON TILLEY
2014, Political AwardDon Tilley is a high school political science/government teacher at Bay City Central High School and serves on the Bay Coun-ty Board of Commissioners. In January, Mr. Tilley proposed a Human Rights Ordinance in Bay County that would have...
DOUGLAS D. SOLOSKY
2014, Lifetime Achievement“Little Doug” was born in Midland on April 13, 1934, weighing just 2 pounds. At the age of 13, Doug started piano lessons and then voice lessons. He graduated from CMU in June 1959 with a BA degree in Liberal Arts. In 1967, he began ...
Pasong’s Café
2013, Business AwardThe Pasong’s Café that serves fine Asian cuisine receives the Business Pride Award for its long-time full support of the LGBT community within the Great Lakes Bay Region. “Pasong” and her daughters, Nonnie Blondin and Tina Saycosi...
Kay Sural
2013, Champion of PrideKay Sural who consistently supported efforts to foster a positive image for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender community and their allies, was known by her kind smile and dedication in the LGBT and the general community. Kay was...
Annie Boensch
2013, Political AwardAnnie Boensch, member the Saginaw City Council, has been a leader and supporter of equal rights, not only for the gay community, but for all Saginaw City and County residents. She was the first Saginaw County political leader to sign her...
Alberto (Beto) Jimenez
2013, Champion of PrideAlberto Jimenez, an openly gay Latino, has become an equality activist – something that he did not plan. To fight against LGBT discrimination, especially within the Latino community, he created an “Equality” float for Saginaw’s 3...
Rick Farrand
2013, Champion of PrideRick Farrand has been active in the Tri-Cities GLBT community for almost 25 years. He was a founding member of Dignity Tri-Cities and helped with fundraising, candlelight vigils, making AIDS Quilt panels for members of the Tri-Cities who...
Dr. Dale Merkle
2013, Lifetime AchievementDr. Dale Merkle, former president of the local chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG Tri-Cities) who as a member of the Bay City Board Educa-tion (1998-2002) was instrumental in establishing a non-discrimin...
Court St. Grill/Eric Phillips
2012, Business AwardThe Court St. Grill (formerly Café) and owner Eric Phillips (Saginaw) receive a Business Pride award for endless support: offered his restaurant for Tri-City LGBT Pride festival planning meetings; attended meetings, shared suggestions, ...
Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe/Carrie Fisher
2012, Business AwardThe Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe (Midland, Saginaw and soon Bay City) and owner Carrie J. Fisher are honored with a Business Pride Award for: donating desserts for Perceptions, PFLAG, and Dow’s GLAD (Gays Lesbians and Allies at Dow) function...
Tana Michaels
2012, Champion of PrideTana Michaels (Saginaw) receives a Pride Award for her contributions in music and journalism. Tana, a singer/guitar player and journalist, has donated her time and talent to many LGBT causes including 2007 Respect Fest, 2011 & 2012 Tri-C...
Kyle Bostwick
2012, Political AwardKyle Bostwick (Saginaw) receives the 2012 Political Pride Award. During high school Kyle joined the Saginaw County Democratic Party and has been an active member since. He has worked and managed local and state campaigns and currently se...
Class of 2012 Sacred Heart Academy – Mt Pleasant
2012, Champion of PrideThe 2012 Class of Sacred Heart Academy (Mt. Pleasant) will receive a Pride Award. The school asked Dominic Sheahan-Stahl, 1998 graduate and actor, to speak at graduation. Dominic’s brother, Willi, was graduating. When the school learne...
Barbara Klimaszewski
2012, Lifetime AchievementBarbara Klimaszewski (Saginaw) receives the Lifetime Achievement Pride Award. She is a Saginaw criminal and civil rights attorney and has been active in the LGBT community for over 35 years. Throughout her career, Barb has fought for equ...
Magic Bean Cafe
2011, Business AwardThe Magic Bean Cafe (Saginaw) receives the Business Pride Award for several reasons: being welcoming venue with loving open arms, posting LGBT events, welcoming the Perceptions trans-gender support group meetings, and hosted Las Vegas...
Bob and Denise Malosh
2011, Champion of PrideBob and Denise Malosh (Midland) learned that their youngest son, Kent, was gay when he was 12. Kent was bullied at school and in the community. Finding PFLAG, they learned how to support Kent and live an authentic and happy life. They at...
Rev. Kathy VanBuskirk
2011, Champion of PrideRev. Kathy VanBuskirk (Saginaw) is a mother of three adult daughters and a grandmother of six. Ordained in 2005, she ministers at Divine Light Interfaith Ministry. Kathy has counseled individuals and couples in parenting, sexuality, cust...
Randy Hasso
2011, Champion of PrideRandy Hasso (Saginaw) is no stranger to serving others. In his younger years Randy was a member of the Peace Corp in Africa. Since those early days of international service Randy has lived and worked in the Saginaw area. He has been gene...
Bill Giorgis
2011, Champion of PrideBill Giorgis (Saginaw) is a giving, considerate, thoughtful, helpful, unselfish and supportive person — describes one of several individuals who nominated Bill. Another said, ― “I can’t tell you how many times that man has come t...
John Monahan
2011, Lifetime AchievementJohn Monahan (1946-2002) was the first openly gay community activist and organizer in the Tri-City area.. He was involved with local groups – Dignity Tri-Cities and Wellness Networks Tri-Cities and talked with local elected leaders in ...
Richard
2010, Lifetime AchievementRichard helped found local chapters of Dignity (1984), Wellness Networks (1988), and PFLAG Tri-Cities (1990); long involved with HIV/AIDS work including helping to bring the AIDS Quilt to the Tri-Cities; and planning and fundraising...
Steve West & Jim Atwood
2010, Business AwardThe Savoy Grill is a local, popular, and gay-owned restaurant. Proprietors Steve West and Jim Atwood have created one of best kept secrets in downtown Saginaw. The Savoy Grill has generously donated money, time and spirit to the LGBT...
Andy Coulouris
2010, Political AwardFormer Saginaw city council member and State Rep., Andy has supported LGBT equality thru proposed bills in Lansing: second-parent adoption, Matt’s Law (anti-bullying) , and adding the words “sexual orientation, gender identity and...
Dr. Charissa Urbano
2010, Rising Star“Charis” is a Professor of Biology and Director, Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence in Delta College where she has established talking points of The Genetics of Homosexuality. She has presented and published LGBT issues at state...
Tim Atkinson
2010, Champion of PrideTim maintained an informative website for local GLBT people long before Perceptions existed and continues to serve as the webmaster for Perceptions. He conceived and organized the efforts to establish the Perceptions Endowed...
Fred Eland
2010, Rising StarFred is a newcomer in the community and “came out” within the last year. Fred is very friendly, personable, and always willing to lend a hand when needed. He has been a great help to Perceptions and has become involved in ma...
Terry Zajac
2010, Champion of PrideTerry opened his beautiful Bay City house for the first Chocolate Party in 1991 to raise funds for the Wellness Networks Tri-Cities and it’s phone-line. Later he hosted so many Chocolate and Garden Parties for PFLAG Tri-Cities – and...
Robb Wiersum
2009, Business AwardRobb Wiersum, Saginaw/Grand Rapids, receives the Business Award for his establishment, The Mixx Nightclub and Metro Grille. Robb has actively sponsored several community activi- ties: Symphony’s Maestro & Martinis, AIDS Walks on both s...
Glenn T. Madigan II
2009, Rising StarGlenn T. Madigan II, Bay City, receives the Rising Star Award. As President of Bay City Central High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance, he organized the Ally Week, No Name Calling Week, Day of Silence, and other activities. He has edu...
Garnet Lewis
2009, Political AwardGarnet Lewis, Freeland, receives the Political Award for too many reasons to list here. She has extensive experience in higher education and political activism. She helped charter the Saginaw Area Democratic Club, is active in...
Jim Kleinsorge
2009, Champion of PrideJim Kleinsorge, Bay City, receives the Volunteer Award for his selfless dedication – going far beyond the call of duty. He is always “there” – setting up Friday Dinners, taking minutes, posting messages, greeting people with hi...
Thomas Brubaker
2009, Champion of PrideTom Brubaker, Saginaw, receives the Unity Award because he cooperatively works with a multitude of organizations and individuals for the overall betterment of our community. As the outreach coordinator for the AIDS Care Program at BASIS-...
Rev. Rebecca M. Dunn
2009, Champion of PrideRev. Rebecca M. Dunn, Saginaw, receives the Pride Award for showing outstanding pride. She founded the first local trans- gender support group, the Perceptions Saginaw Valley Trans- gender Group. She is an ordained New Thought minister, ...
Barbara and the late Richard Kormelink
2009, Lifetime AchievementBarbara and the late Richard Kormelink, Wyoming, MI and formerly Bay City, receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest award given. They were co-founders of the PFLAG Tri-Cities chapter and have demonstrated a lifelong commitme...
Leo Romo
2019, Lifetime AchievementLeo Romo has given of himself, his time, his efforts for the LGBTQ+ community of the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond, especially though PFLAG and Perceptions for over 20 years. Leo also has worked on researching, compiling, and preserv...
Stuart Barbier
2019, Lifetime AchievementStuart Barbier has been a professor of English at Delta College since 1998. In 2006, Stuart formed the Delta Prism Alliance to establish and maintain a safe and affirming environment at Delta College for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and facul...
Howard Ungerleider
2019, Champion of PrideHoward Ungerleider is the President and CFO of Dow and an active member of Dow’s inclusion Council. Through his position and personal actions, Howard has been a vocal advocate for a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace for all empl...
Jenny Bell
2019, Rising StarJenny Bell is a loving, kind, compassionate person that is teaching all communities what it means to be transgender, while navigating her own transition. Jenny is a member of the Perceptions Transgender Groups and a member of the newly f...
Midland Center for the Arts
2019, Business AwardThe Midland Center for the Arts, through the efforts of Katie Miller, Manager of Community Engagement, was able to build partnerships to open doors to conversation through education, storytelling and creativity. Partnerships included: Pe...
Bill Ostash
2019, Champion of PrideWilliam “Bill” Ostash, was born and raised in Bay City. Bill moved to Saginaw in 2004 and has been involved with the Saginaw Historic District Commission since 2006 where he served as Chairperson from 2008-2014. Bill created “Prese...
Emily Simbeck
2019, Champion of PrideEmily Simbeck is an outpatient therapist at M.P.A. Group and one of a very few gender specialists in the Mid-Michigan area. Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology, graduating from coastal Carolina University. She received her Maste...
Kat Champagne
2019, Champion of PrideKat Champagne went from a concerned mother to an all-around volunteer and advocate for the SOGIE community. Kat’s involvement was wide and varied. Kat started with her involvement with the Perceptions Transgender Groups where she took ...
Allison Matthew
2019, Rising StarAllison Matthew has proven to be a supporter of Perceptions and the SOGIE community within the Great Lakes Bay Region. In her roles of parent, student (graduating with a master’s degree), and employee for Consumers Energy, Allison has ...
Ronald Owens
2019, Rising StarRonald Owens is a Saginaw native and Deputy Political Director for Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Ronald’s passion for Public Service includes working alongside other volunteers to knock on doors and support politicians such as Representat...