Queens PFLAG needs nominations for annual "Brenda Howard Award"
The Queens Chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is accepting nominations for their 2006 "Brenda Howard Award". This award, presented annually was created in memory of the late bisexual activist Brenda Howard and recognizes an individual or organization whose work on behalf of the bisexual community (as well as the LGBT community as a whole) best exemplifies her pioneering and political spirit.
Ms. Howard was a major figure in the modern LGBT rights movement dating back to Stonewall days. A leader of the Gay Liberation Front and Gay Activists Alliance in the early post-Stonewall era, Howard coordinated the rally to commemorate the 1-month anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, and then created the Rally and March (Christopher Street Liberation Day March) that were celebrated at the 1-year anniversary. This became the annual New York City Pride March which spawned all the other pride marches, festivals and celebrations around the world. It was for this work that Howard earned the sobriquet "Mother of Pride".
Among her many other accomplishments, on a national level Howard was a female co-chair of the leather contingent for the March on Washington; was involved in the 1993 March on Washington for Gay, Lesbian and Bi Rights and Liberation; 'Stonewall 25' in 1994 and worked with BiNet USA as an organizer from the NY Tri-State area. Additionally she helped found and lead a number of New York area groups including: the New York Area Bisexual Network; the political activist group BiPAC (a precursor to Bialogue), the nation’s first Alcoholics Anonymous chapter for bisexuals, worked with the Queens Chapter of PFLAG and of course running her beloved NYC Bisexual S/M Discussion Group.
Sadly her life of service to her community was cut short when Howard died of cancer at 58 on Tuesday, June 28th 2005. In death she was eulogized by fellow activist Andy Humm in the LGBT Press with the words, "Only a handful of activists in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement were there at Stonewall and never stopped".
The Awards will be presented when The Chapter holds its Annual Fund Raiser & Awards Luncheon traditionally held at a local Queens NYC venue the 2nd Sunday in November. In addition to the “Brenda Howard Award” the chapter will also be presenting its two other annual awards, the “Morty Manford Award” and the “Carmel Tavadia Memorial Award”.
Please send in your nominations (including name, short bio or link to bio and a few words on why you feel they would be an appropriate recipient) to awards@pflag-queens.org at your earliest possible convenience, (nominations will start being processed at 6 PM on Saturday the 16th). Also note that while the award is open to everyone, since the Queen's PFLAG Chapter is unable to pay for travel expenses, lodging, etc. it would probably be best if your nominee actually resided in the NYC Tri-State Area or would already be in the area anyways at the time of the awards ceremony.
Ms. Howard was a major figure in the modern LGBT rights movement dating back to Stonewall days. A leader of the Gay Liberation Front and Gay Activists Alliance in the early post-Stonewall era, Howard coordinated the rally to commemorate the 1-month anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, and then created the Rally and March (Christopher Street Liberation Day March) that were celebrated at the 1-year anniversary. This became the annual New York City Pride March which spawned all the other pride marches, festivals and celebrations around the world. It was for this work that Howard earned the sobriquet "Mother of Pride".
Among her many other accomplishments, on a national level Howard was a female co-chair of the leather contingent for the March on Washington; was involved in the 1993 March on Washington for Gay, Lesbian and Bi Rights and Liberation; 'Stonewall 25' in 1994 and worked with BiNet USA as an organizer from the NY Tri-State area. Additionally she helped found and lead a number of New York area groups including: the New York Area Bisexual Network; the political activist group BiPAC (a precursor to Bialogue), the nation’s first Alcoholics Anonymous chapter for bisexuals, worked with the Queens Chapter of PFLAG and of course running her beloved NYC Bisexual S/M Discussion Group.
Sadly her life of service to her community was cut short when Howard died of cancer at 58 on Tuesday, June 28th 2005. In death she was eulogized by fellow activist Andy Humm in the LGBT Press with the words, "Only a handful of activists in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement were there at Stonewall and never stopped".
The Awards will be presented when The Chapter holds its Annual Fund Raiser & Awards Luncheon traditionally held at a local Queens NYC venue the 2nd Sunday in November. In addition to the “Brenda Howard Award” the chapter will also be presenting its two other annual awards, the “Morty Manford Award” and the “Carmel Tavadia Memorial Award”.
Please send in your nominations (including name, short bio or link to bio and a few words on why you feel they would be an appropriate recipient) to awards@pflag-queens.org at your earliest possible convenience, (nominations will start being processed at 6 PM on Saturday the 16th). Also note that while the award is open to everyone, since the Queen's PFLAG Chapter is unable to pay for travel expenses, lodging, etc. it would probably be best if your nominee actually resided in the NYC Tri-State Area or would already be in the area anyways at the time of the awards ceremony.