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Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards hosted Wednesday night

Published September 27, 2018 2:31 AM

The Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards saluted those working to further the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies Wednesday night.

The awards event took place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Palm Springs hotel, 410 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Below are the awardees:

— Denise Goolsby, city neighborhood manager and a “community leader and advocate who works to improve the quality of life in Palm Springs for all,” will receive the Community Service Award; — City Councilwoman Lisa Middleton, the first transgender person elected to a non-judicial office in the state, will receive the Advocate of the Year Award; — Sherry Fulton, who “demonstrates leadership by helping others,” often behind the scenes, will receive the Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year Award; — Transgender artist Lena Ingram, “who aspires to further the rights and medical care of transgender people in the world,” organizers said, will receive the Emerging Leader 2018 Award; — Lynn Hammond, who runs Lynn Hammond Catering in Palm Springs, and “is an inspiration to others for her community involvement, volunteerism and for defining what success looks like when you are a socially minded, women-owned business entrepreneur,” will receive the 2018 Friend of Pride Award; — Doug Hairgrove and Warren “Woody” Wood, of Safe Schools Palm Springs, “who have devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring youth,” will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards; — The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, which organizers say has raised $100,000 for LGBT charities, will be recognized as the Organization of the Year;

Ingram spoke with KESQ and CBS Local 2 reporter, Lauren Coronado, after receiving her award. She explained the importance of being a role model for the younger transgender generation.

“For the little girls and the little trans boys who are sitting at home and see that, ‘wow, she did it’, it’s important I’m out there and put myself out there,” Ingram said.

After the ceremony Hairgrove talked about his work with local school districts, where he works as an advocate for LGBT youth.

“It’s a community, and we have a responsibility to the youth of our community to make sure they’re safe and protected,” Hairgrove said.

The awards were presented by a number of well known Palm Springs community members, including Police Captain Melissa Desmarais, former City Councilwoman Ginny Foat, City Councilman Geoff Kors, City Councilwoman Christy Holstege, and Trans Community Project Director Paulina Angel.

“The spirit of giving runs deep within the heart and soul of each honoree,” said Ron deHarte, Palm Springs Pride president. “They lead by example and live life with compassion and love for others. They have advocated for equality and social justice and they have marched against systems of oppression to ensure realization of economic and social rights for all. This is not a group that seeks attention of applause. They quietly serve and we are grateful for the profound impact they have had and continue to have in our community.”

Proceeds from the reception are going to Greater Palm Springs Pride.