2019 Honorees – Phoenix Pride

Community Spirit Awards 2019

BJ Bud Spirit Award

Imperial Court of Arizona Reign XIII

The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona is a non-for-profit organization striving to unite the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Bisexual, and Heterosexual communities through charitable fundraising events to meet the needs of all. Since 2006 the Imperial Court of Arizona has raised over $380,000 through these charitable efforts. Reign XIII raised over $60,000!

John Bircumshaw Spirit Award

Felicia Butts

Felicia is an Ohio native who has made Phoenix her home since 2006. She currently serves as the Event Coordinator for Aunt Rita’s Foundation. Felicia has an extensive background in marketing and event coordination and lends her talents to multiple LGBTQ nonprofits in Arizona. Felicia has been involved in several organizations such as Southwest Center for HIV & AIDS, Phoenix Pride, Fierce Friends of Phoenix and United Way to name a few. Her passion lies within the LGBTQ community where she feels welcomed like family. Her mission is to help create opportunities for the LGBTQ community as well as women in the workforce. Felicia joined the Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in 2017 where she serves on the Board of Directors. She is responsible for organizing and coordinating the fantastic and educational Chamber luncheons and net mixers for members and the community. It is her honor to serve the business members and to help in the growth of the organization. Felicia has always believed and said, “An individual can make a difference through small actions.” She is confident she will make a difference in the LGBTQ community as the Board Chair for the Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Howard & Patrica Fleischmann Spirit Award

Doggy Daze

Doggy Daze is a unique, urban, upscale dog-salon, and retail store in the heart of midtown Phoenix. Doggy Daze is a successful concept and creation that was brought to reality by Sean Kirk, the original creator and former owner of Smelly Dog
So what is unique about Doggy Daze from other grooming facilities? Most groomers have an “up-charge” for nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sanitary cuts, but at Doggy Daze every client will get the royal treatment included in their grooming without the up-charge. Every dog will be bathed in a hypoallergenic shampoo and rinsed in a hypoallergenic conditioner to ensure a soft coat and hydrated skin. Each dog will be towel dried to dampness and then hand-blown dried. After the grooming process, each dog will then be placed in a designated area called “Play Daze.” The “Play Daze” area is simply a supervised holding area for the dog to socialize and play until their parents pick them up. Dogs are social and this sort of environment allows them to have fun before going home while providing a positive grooming experience.

Kirk Baxter Spirit Award

Ripple PHX

RipplePHX is a back-to-grass-roots project created for our LGBTQ Community to address today’s HIV virus through impact-focused splashes of awareness, love, and celebrations of sexual expression. RipplePHX’s Team and sparkling Condom, PEP/PrEP, U=U, and Testing PODS rotate throughout the streets each week to empower our friends to create their own ripple by becoming informed, sharing the knowledge, and embracing at least one tool in the greater movement toward sexual health in our Community.

Mayor Phil Gordon Spirit Award

Representative Daniel Hernandez

In 2016, Hernández was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives and is one of four openly gay members of the Arizona State Legislature, alongside Robert Meza, Tony Navarreteand Cesar Chavez, and is a co-founder of the LGBT Caucus in Arizona.
This year Hernandez, along with members from both the Republican and Democratic Caucuses in the House of Representative, worked to draft a swift repeal to the No Promo Homo Law! Hernandez believes “The LGBTQ community has made great strides winning fights like marriage equality and repealing discriminatory and harmful laws, such as No Promo Homo. Yet much progress remains.”

Brandon Packer Spirit Award

Carrington Hall Dubois

Daniel Eckstrom, AKA Carrington Hall-Dubois has called Phoenix his home since 2007. In that time, he has supported many community organizations and projects throughout the State of Arizona. In 2012 he was named as one of the Top 40 Hispanics Under 40. In 2014 he competed for Dancing with the Bars and was the top fundraising contestant, raising almost $8000 for HERO Phoenix and was also inducted to Echo Magazine’s Hall of Fame. His love for fundraising and the community led him to compete for the title of Mister Phoenix Pride. Carrington was lucky enough to be crowned Mister Phoenix Pride 2018 and went on to help raise a record $47,000 for the Phoenix Pride Scholarship fund. He prides himself on being visible, being approachable and always delivering on his promises. A month ago, he was named Prince Royale XIV to Reign XIV of the Imperial Court of Arizona. “This award is the icing on top of a tremendous year.”

Tish Tanner Spirit Award

Mya Mckenzie

The “Face & Grace” of ELEMENTS. Originally from San Francisco CA, Mya moved to Phoenix 20 years ago and has been in the art of female impersonation and a part of the Arizona LGBTQ+ Community for the last 15 years. Aside of winning Miss Phoenix Pride 2018, Mya has won such coveted titles as Miss Gay Az America 2007, Miss Gay Az USofA 2009, Miss Gay Western Sapphire USofA 2010 and Miss Gay Az United States 2015. Mya is also the host of the Annual Pride in the Pines in Flagstaff!

Linda Hoffman Spirit Award

Edward Castro

Edward Castro is a 5 year veteran volunteer of the Phoenix Pride Organization. In 2014 Edward was recruited by Natalie Cianciola to join the Entertainment Team as Assistant Entertainment Manager. With a radio experience background and a passion for promoting events he put his skills to use to add to the Entertainment Committee. Edward choose Phoenix Pride as his organization of choice because he believes in the Mission Statement of uniting, educating and engaging people to support and empower the LGBTQ community and our allies. In 2017 Edward became the Entertainment Manager in which he currently volunteers for both the Phoenix Pride Festival and Rainbows Festival.

Easley's Spirit Award

Larry Tabloff

The Easley’s Spirit Award created this year honors and celebrates a community ally that has helped make a significant impact in Phoenix Pride’s efforts to support the metropolitan Phoenix LGBTQ Community.