All posts tagged with: Christopher Street West

Volunteers of the The Trevor Project march in the 2011 LA Pride Parade

The Grand Marshal of any parade is an important position. It’s especially important in the LA Pride Parade. For 42 years, Christopher Street West has hosted the annual parade in Hollywood, California. This year The Trevor Project, an LGBT organization headquartered along the parade route, will be the Grand Marshal for the Sunday, June 10, 2012 event.

“Today, throughout our country, many parents, teachers, councilors, legislators, advocates and event the White House know that Trevor is the default when it comes to supporting kids struggling with their sexual orientation,” said Owen Ward, Christopher Street West Board of Directors. “LA PRIDE has always served as a beacon of hope and inspiration and that is why we are so pleased to bestow the honor of Community Grand Marshal to The Trevor Project.”

The Trevor Project has used their exposure to build awareness of its life-saving and life-affirming services for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth. Their volunteers across the country have helped thousands of young people who are in crisis or considering suicide.

They also offer secure online services including TrevorChat, an online instant messaging service and TrevorSpace, a social network for teens and youth, to connect with real, live counsellors.

“On behalf of the teens and young adults who need The Trevor Project, as well as the many volunteers and supporters who make our work possible, we are honored to be recognized as this year’s Community Grand Marshal,” said Abbe Land, Executive Director and CEO of The Trevor Project.” We are grateful to Christopher Street West and the community of West Hollywood for supporting a culture that encourages young people to reach out for help. You help make sure The Trevor Project is there for young people whenever they need to talk live,”

For 41 years the Los Angeles LGBT community have gathered for the annual LA Pride, one of the largest LGBT pride parades in the world! New for 2011, Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa will proclaim a month-long commemoration of LGBT Heritage Month at the historic WeHo Dyke March. LA Pride is held in West Hollywood, California from June 10 – 12, 2011.

As the producer of LA Pride, Christopher Street West recognizes people and groups that have had an impact on the LGBT community. The 2011 Honourees have demonstrated commitment to greater visibility and understanding, advocacy, human rights empowerment, marriage equality and service.

The 2011 Honourees:

Margaret Cho

• Morris Kight Lifetime Achievement Award
• Comedian, actress, activist and humanitarian

Andy Cohen

• Person of the Year Award
• Bravo’s Executive Vice President of Programming and Development / Host of “Watch What Happens: Live”

Dr. Isabel Gomez-Bassols

• George Moscone Award
• The nation’s leading Hispanic radio psychologist reaching 80% of Latino households around the country

Suzy Jack

• Harvey Milk Award
• Progressive activist working to make local government, elected leaders and law enforcement more accessible, responsible and collaborative with the LGBTQ community

Asian Pacific Islander Equality – Los Angeles

• Connie Norman Award
• Working tirelessly to build bridges within ethnic communities to garner support for marriage equality

Youth of Gay Straight Alliance Network

• Outstanding Youth Award
• Creating safer environments for all students by addressing homophobia and transphobia in schools

Frontiers Magazine

• Torie Osborn / Dick Michaels Media Award
• For 29 years, a leading resource for the greater LGBT community

Glenne McElhinney

• Pat Parker Arts Award
• Helping to remember, record and re-tell the history of California’s LGBT community

Valerie Spencer

• Berman Schaffer Award
• Renowned transgender advocate and educator focused on social service delivery

Eagle LA

• Sheldon Andelson Award
• Popular leather bar consistently supporting causes near and dear to the hearts of the LGBT community

Sergeant James Farrell

• CSW Special Community Award
• A veteran member of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s station and law enforcement leader

About Christopher Street West:

A non-profit organization, Christopher Street West is a leading partner in the advancement of rights and equality in the LGBT community.  Led by professionally-driven, volunteer-based Board Members, Christopher Street West produces one of the largest PRIDE celebrations in the United States with an ever-expanding global presence reaching millions of people annually.