Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Marshall Pearcy and Douglas Woodmansee, who have raised over $2 million for charity since their stage debut 37 years ago as Dottie Du Bois and Maude Chapeau. Also recognized will be community organizer, an advocate for LGBTQ individuals and families, and an eighteen-year member of the PFLAG Palm Springs/Desert Communities chapter since 1999, Christine Hammond.
Well in the Desert, a twenty-year grass roots organization that cares for thousands of people annually whose extraordinary efforts help educate the public and humanize the face of the homeless in Palm Springs, is recognized as Advocate of the Year. With over forty years of service advancing the LGBT movement and special recognition for her commitment to raise the visibility of the lesbian community, Louise Minnick is honored as the Volunteer of the Year.
The Transgender Community Coalition, the largest transgender organization in the Inland Empire serving the needs of the local transgender community, is celebrated as the Organization of the Year. Desert Storm Veteran and community leader Kerry Hendrix is presented with the Spirit of Pride Award for advancing equality, promoting diversity and celebrating the strength and talent of the LGBT community.
The 2017 Friend of Pride is a business and community leader who has stalwartly supported the LGBT community Carolyn Caldwell, and the Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Award recognizes retired professor of nursing, DeAnn Young, whose life has been guided by the belief that one should give to others and the community.
“We are proud of all the honorees. At a time when we struggle to promote equality for all individuals, it feels great to stop for a moment, be aware, and recognize the people in our community doing wonderful work demonstrating the powerful force of love conquering hate,” said Ron deHarte, president of Palm Springs Pride.
