The GLBT Community Center of Colorado (The Center) will honor lawyer and lobbyist Ted Trimpa as 'Barrister of the Year' at the upcoming Jokers, Jewels & Justice event taking place at the Magnolia Hotel on March 10 from 6-9:30pm. Each year the Barrister of the Year award recognizes a Colorado-based lawyer or legal organization's efforts on behalf of LGBT equality issues.
"I feel very honored by this," said Trimpa (pictured), once famously referred to as Colorado's "answer to Karl Rove" in an Atlantic article about Colorado's 'Gay Mafia'. "I've been committed to working for the community for a number of years and I don't do it for the awards but it is nice to get recognized."
Jokers, Jewels & Justice is Colorado's largest and most successful LGBT legal event and is a fundraiser for The Center's Legal & Advocacy Program. Originally founded in 1992 as the Colorado Legal Initiatives Project to oppose Colorado's discriminatory constitutional Amendment 2, The Center's Legal & Advocacy Program is the only legal program in Colorado dedicated solely to the equality and dignity of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and those with HIV.
Trimpa's message to Colorado's LGBT community is one of pride and activism. "I think being out in every way and unapologetic about it is very important," he said. "Be out. Be proud. Be involved. And not just in gay rights organizations. The time-proven quickest way to equality is state-level action. We spend way too much time and money in DC. State legislators are our friends. They really are trying to do the right thing. Sometimes you have to meet people where they are and, over time, bring them over to where you want them to be."
"We are pleased to honor Ted for his many contributions to advancing the LGBT community," said Carlos Martinez, Executive Director of The Center. "His commitment to the advancement of LGBT rights and equality - along with his talent for behind-the-scenes negotiations - makes him the ideal candidate for this year's Barrister of the Year award."
