Community Spirit
BJ Bud
Lookout Phx
LOOKOUT is an Arizona-based media outlet founded in 2022 with a mission to elevate and expand LGBTQ+ representation in local news. Far more than just another news site, LOOKOUT delivers fearless journalism that strengthens and engages LGBTQ+ communities and their allies, ensuring that queer news is "above the fold" and holding those in power to journalistic account. Their work can be seen in local papers and national news websites, collaborating with other reporters to ensure premiere LGBTQ+ news reaches audiences wherever they get their news. LOOKOUT's vision is to inspire and hasten a queer experience that is liberated from injustice and delivers on the promise of equal respect, rights, and opportunity for all people, activating communities through local events and fearless journalism.
Kirk Baxter
Chicanos Por La Causa
Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) is rooted in the Chicano identity—representing Mexican Americans born in the U.S. and popularized during the Civil Rights Movement to honor cultural roots and community pride. Guided by La Causa, the enduring mission to create structural change and ensure all people can live with dignity, CPLC stands out by offering holistic, integrated services that support individuals from infancy through senior years. While open to all, CPLC holds a deep commitment and cultural competency in serving the Latino community where its movement began. Its vision is simple yet powerful: Empowered Lives.
Howard & Patrica Fleischmann
Brick Road Coffee
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Tempe, on Rural Road and the U.S. 60, Brick Road Coffee has indeed become the heart and soul of its community. Community is the foundation on which Brick Road Coffee is built, and they demonstrate this commitment in various impactful ways. Brick Road Coffee goes above and beyond from hosting political involvement events such as petition signatures, volunteer training, and canvas launches to continually supporting local charities. They provide a welcoming space for free testing and educational events for the LGBTQ+ community and sponsor a monthly LGBTQ+ book club, Friend of Dorothy’s Book Club, in partnership with the Tempe Public Library. These initiatives, along with weekly events with local LGBTQ+ organizations, have transformed Brick Road Coffee into more than just a coffee shop – it’s a community hub.
John Bircumshaw
Ernie Jaramillo
Ernie Jaramillo, originally from Grants, New Mexico, has been a dedicated resident of the Valley since 2012. In 2016, he married his husband, Alonzo Espinoza, marking the beginning of a life shared in commitment and love. His dedication to these causes underscores his broader commitment to community support and advocacy. In recognition of his efforts and spirit, Ernie is honored to accept the John Bircumshaw Spirit Award. This award celebrates his unwavering dedication to bringing LGBTQ+ individuals together and creating a supportive, inclusive environment akin to the spirit exemplified by John Bircumshaw. Ernie Jaramillo continues to inspire through his leadership, compassion, and unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community, making a profound difference in the lives of many and promoting a culture of acceptance and unity.
Mayor Phil Gordon
Governor Hobbs
Born and raised in Arizona, Governor Hobbs has spent her life exemplifying hard work and public service. After putting herself through college at both NAU and ASU, she began her career as a social worker working with homeless youth and later helped run one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the country. After seeing her fellow Arizonans continue to struggle with little action from the government, Governor Hobbs decided to take matters into her own hands and run for office.
With over a decade of public service, Governor Hobbs sees her role in government as a continuation of her social work. In her first term, she has already moved the needle forward on some of our state’s most critical issues, including housing, water security, and economic development. Governor Hobbs approaches every situation and every challenge with a desire to make people’s lives better and give every Arizonan an opportunity to thrive.
BRANDON PACKER
Rocky Heart
Rocky Heart is a male entertainer that has been entertaining and making audiences laugh throughout Arizona for the past 7 years. He has earned the title of Mister BS West 2019, Mister BS West 2023 and representing the Phoenix Pride Organization as Mister Phoenix Pride 2023. His biggest accomplishment as Mister Phoenix Pride was, he, along with Miss Phoenix Pride Veronica Savage Rose and the 2023 class raised nearly $40,000 for the Phoenix Pride Scholarship Fund. With all the negativity in the world he uses his platform to spread laughter and joy to remind others to not take life too seriously and laughter truly is the best medicine. He is so humbled and honored to be accepting this award.
Easley's Spirit Award
Tami Staas
Tami Staas (she/her/they) is an Arizona native, a professional educator, and a fierce advocate. She currently teaches at Summit Academy, an International Baccalaureate school in the Mesa Public School system. In addition to being a classroom teacher, she is also the Executive Director of Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization (Aztypo). In her role with Aztypo, she has been advocating and educating in Arizona on behalf of transgender and gender diverse youth and their families for over a decade. Tami often finds herself providing guidance to teachers, counselors, and administrators on best practices for trans and gender diverse youth in the classroom and around the school. Tami is passionate about educating the community on how to best serve transgender and gender diverse youth. Over the years, she has worked with various agencies in the greater Phoenix area to foster and create inclusive practices in public spaces such as schools (both elementary and high school), hospitals, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, and community
spaces.
LINDA HOFFMAN SPIRIT AWARD
Hayden Burgess
Hayden Burgess has been volunteering with Phoenix Pride since 2015 and loves every single minute of it. Whether it be volunteering at a pageant or festival, you will find them there helping the community that helped them so much. In their day-to-day life, Hayden works with Terros Health as a HIV prevention specialist as well as part of a morning program that helps the unhoused community.
Tish Tanner Spirit Award
Veronica Savage Rose
Veronica Savage Rose, Miss Phoenix Pride 2024 was born in New Mexico and raised in South Phoenix. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2004 with a Political Science degree. Since moving back to Phoenix from Tucson in 2012 Veronica has always participated in community events from blood drives, raising money and/or volunteering for Susan G. Komen, Taking Steps for Crohn's and Colitis, Lupus Foundation of America and the Phoenix Zoo to name a few. As of 2021 Veronica has been heavily involved in the LGBTQIA community and was crowned Miss Phoenix Pride 2023 which allowed her to be an integral part of raising money for the Phoenix Pride Scholarship program. She danced for one n ten in 2023 and in 2024 became invested as the Grace Grand Dutchess of the Imperial Court of Arizona. Veronica is humbled to be receiving the Tish Tanner award today and promises to honor its significance by continuing her community work with unconditional love.
DANNY BECHT SPIRIT AWARD
Alero Mills-Ridley
Alero Mills-Ridley is a wife and mother of three beautiful children. Since 2002, she has been blessed to volunteer with Phoenix Pride in various roles. Her passions include assisting the unhoused, providing education and testing for HIV, and guiding youth to become prosperous individuals with a purpose of excellence. Currently, she is employed in the fields of Behavioral Law, Education, and Logistics for Youth.
Grant Recipients
Florence Project Bio
The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal and social services to adults and unaccompanied children facing immigration removal proceedings in Arizona. Serving over 24,000 immigrants every year, we distinguish ourselves by delivering exceptional legal empowerment and representation and essential psychosocial support for detained adults and children. Going beyond supporting people in detention facilities, we extend crucial legal services to asylum seekers at the U.S. Mexico border and vigorously advocate for systemic and narrative change nationwide. Our legal and social service teams work with populations spanning various backgrounds and nationalities. We employ a dedicated attorney who works closely with individuals who face heightened discrimination and abuse during their immigration journey and in detention due to their LGBTQ+ identity. Through our programs, the Florence Project stands as a stalwart defender, safeguarding and advancing the rights of immigrants and ensuring the well-being of countless individuals and families. The Florence Project envisions an immigration system in which all immigrants facing removal have access to counsel, can understand their rights, and are treated fairly and humanely. To learn more, please visit www.firrp.org.
Brighter Way Institute
Embracing equity of care and diversity, Brighter Way Institute has a transformational mission to provide comprehensive oral health care for vulnerable adults, children, veterans, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals with special needs. The long-standing commitment to the Arizona LGBTQ+ community has been defined since Brighter Way’s early days in the small founding trailer on the Human Services Campus.
For over 22 years, Brighter Way has supported an inclusive environment, welcoming all patients in need through two unique dental centers and one mobile dental unit – _now called, Tooth Bus. Services range from general preventive care to complex, whole-mouth restoration. Through Tooth Bus, we have strengthened community partnerships, built capacity, expanded reach, and increased access to diverse, under-served populations. This includes members of 33 Boys & Girls Clubs, homeless/low-income LGBTQ+ youth through one.n.ten, and homeless individuals who otherwise would have no access to oral health services and treatment.
ALPHA
The Arizona Legacy Pride Hockey Association is an adult developmental ice hockey league for people of all cultures, sexualities and gender identifications. We are especially committed to providing opportunities for those who have historically felt uncomfortable in traditional sports settings to learn and teach ice hockey in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. We aspire to the highest standards of sportsmanship and promote integration of the wider Phoenix Valley community into the LGTBQIA+ community.
Our Family Services
Our Family’s mission is to eliminate homelessness and strengthen our community. We do this by providing stability in times of crisis. Linking people to support and resources. Supporting social connectedness. Engaging our neighbors to tackle tough community issues. Acknowledging and combating systemic inequities through policies and advocacy.
We offer a diverse array of programs to achieve this goal, including housing services for homeless youth and families, our shelter for children ages 12-17 (Reunion House), and help for anyone who needs assistance identifying community resources. Our main program areas include New Beginnings Homeless Youth and Family Services, Street Outreach, and Information & Referral. While diverse, these three lines of effort all move us toward our vision of a socially and economically just community where everyone has a safe, affordable, and stable home. We serve the greater Tucson area and the outlying parts of Pima County, including the Pascua Yaqui and Tohono O’odham nations.
Spectrum Medical
Spectrum Medical offers compassionate and inclusive, state-of-the-art whole person care for the LGBTQ+ community. We offer primary care services as well as HIV/STI testing, PrEP, PEP, sexual health education, and preventative care to empower patients to achieve their best health. Our community outreach program provides healthcare services at events across Maricopa County. We welcome new patients and accept most major medical insurance plans. Experience the Spectrum Medical difference – where pride and care come together.
Anytown Leadership Camp
ANYTOWN is a nationally recognized, award winning leadership and social justice program for youth ages 14-19. Every year, we bring diverse groups of Arizona high school students together for a weeklong residential learning experience. Through interactive workshops, simulations and discussions, participants explore topics like prejudice, discrimination and bias. Anytown addresses widespread cultural competence gaps by educating young leaders about the value of diversity and inclusion and teaching participants to recognize and counter stereotypes and bullying.
Our approach to creating change can be summed up in three words: understanding through sharing. Anytown is the only program of its kind, intentionally bringing together unlike teenagers with diverse beliefs and backgrounds to learn appropriate and effective methods of discussing difficult topics such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, ableism and more. Anytown changes hearts and minds by bringing diverse people together to engage in respectful, productive dialogue – an essential step in moving past conflict and division.
CAN Community Health
The mission of CAN Community Health is to inspire and contribute to the health and well-being of those affected by HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases by providing the best care through outreach, integrated clinical practice, advocacy, education, and research. At CAN Community Health, we believe excellent healthcare starts with a foundation of inclusion, compassion, and respect for all communities regardless of race, color, gender, creed, personal beliefs, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or the ability to pay. As the CAN family, we are committed to providing the best care possible to all.
Skye’s the Limit!
Skye’s the Limit! is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing no-cost awareness, education, and resources. Our mission is mission to prevent trauma-related loss by substance overdose or suicide by building resiliency and empowering youth, families, and communities. To do so, we work to provide safe environments for youth who have experienced childhood trauma to speak out, express themselves, and ask for help—recognizing the need for compassion and connection to combat the social isolation and loneliness that can lead to substance abuse and suicide.
Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce promotes business development to increase economic opportunities for our members, the LGBTQ+ community and all who support business equality. GPECC envisions a vibrant business environment where LGBTQ+ businesses are a thriving and the LGBTQ+ community is respected, valued and celebrated. GPECC is one of the oldest non-profit LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce in the nation, founded in 1980. GPECC launched the Equality Chamber Foundation in 2023 to continue and grow its educational programming for small business owners and employers.
Sonoran Prevention Works
Sonoran Prevention Works was founded by and for people who use drugs. We
started with a singular focus: everyone should have access to the knowledge,
tools, and community they need to be safe and healthy. Today, we’re committed to making that a reality at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels through street-based outreach, organizational capacity building, and state-wide advocacy work. The core of our work is to support individual people through overdose education, naloxone, and supply distribution, HIV and hepatitis C testing, and our harm reduction outreach program. We help Arizona organizations operationalize harm reduction programming with resources, consultations, and training on topics such as HIV, social determinants of health, integrating harm reduction in diverse settings, and more. We work at the local and state levels to change policies and regulations that impact people who use drugs and their communities. We also conduct research to articulate their experiences so their voices can be heard by legislators.
AZ Typo
AZTYPO is a safe space for families and caregivers with gender-diverse youth. Aztypo provides a supportive environment for children, adolescents, and their families to explore issues of gender identity.
Aztypo’s main programs are their support groups held four times a month (three in-person and one virtual) and consist of peer-to-peer support for the parents and caregivers along with a supervised interactive social/playgroup for the youth and children. Siblings are also welcome in the social/playgroup. Parents, Legal Guardians, and Extended Family (Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, etc.) can discuss challenging issues, raise questions, seek and share resources, and listen to the experiences of others. By talking to each other and sharing experiences, a family can best support their children in their gender identity and gender expression. All are welcome along the spectrum of acceptance and understanding.
Southern Arizona Senior Pride
Southern Arizona Senior Pride, known as 'Senior Pride', is celebrating two decades of service in 2024. We stand as a beacon of support and unity for LGBTQI+ older adults aged 55 and above in Southern Arizona. Our dynamic organization offers a diverse array of programs and services focused on health & wellness, arts & culture, and social connections & learning. From the invaluable Grief Groups to the nurturing Community Cares Program and empowering Advanced Medical Care Planning, we are here to uplift and empower our community. While we proudly lead the way in serving older LGBTQ+ adults in Southern Arizona, our impact shines even brighter through our impactful collaborations with dedicated community partners. Adding to our support, we are honored recipients of the Phoenix Pride Community Grant, a testament to the vital work we do and a catalyst for enhancing our services and expanding our reach. Thank you to Phoenix Pride for joining us in this incredible journey of celebration, support, and unity!
Ripplephx
RipplePHX is a back-to-grass-roots project created to address today’s HIV virus through impact-focused splashes of awareness, action, love, and celebrations of sexual expression. RipplePHX’s Team moves 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 - regardless of status.
Deaf Abuse Network (DANE Advocacy)
DANE Advocacy, short for Deaf Abuse Network and Education Advocacy, is dedicated to addressing and supporting issues related to intimate partner violence within the Arizona Deaf communities. The organization's mission revolves around education, advocacy, empowerment, and prevention, aiming to end intimate partner violence by providing tailored support and resources. DANE Advocacy focuses on creating accessible services for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing individuals, advocating for their rights and improving their quality of life through various programs and community engagement initiatives. They emphasize the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate services, ensuring all communications and support mechanisms are available in American Sign Language (ASL).
AZ Theatre
Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) performances bring people together to experience essential stories, from reimagined classics to contemporary plays, original works, and innovative musicals, fostering continued conversation beyond the theatre walls. Founded in 1966, ATC is led by Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August and Executive Director Geri Wright. ATC operates in two major cities and is the preeminent professional theatre in Arizona, recognized as the official State Theatre.
Rising Youth Theatre
Founded in 2011, Rising Youth Theatre's mission is "To imagine and build the world we want to live in through youth-driven, multigenerational collaboration and justice-centered artistic process and performance that generates reflection, connection and action."
Rising Youth Theatre is a youth leadership organization working at the intersection of art and social justice. We believe that theatre and the arts are powerful tools with which young people can stand up and advocate for themselves and their peers, and that artmaking and storytelling are a catalyst for change. Young people work in leadership spaces across all levels of our organization, including the staff, board, and creative spaces. We produce original plays around topics that matter to our community, including, race, mental health, student push-out, and more. Our school residency program brings social-emotional learning through the arts to hundreds of kids each year.
Phoenix Indian Center
The Phoenix Indian Center was established in 1947 and is recognized as the first and oldest social service agency in the nation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of American Indian (AI) people. Our mission is to develop a strong AI Community through collaborative partnerships, providing quality, culturally based workforce, language/culture, education, and youth services. The Center continues this work as the primary resource for workforce and youth development, substance abuse and suicide prevention, cultural enrichment, and community engagement for urban AI residing in Maricopa County. Annually we serve over 9,400 individuals and families with related outreach to over 35,000 individuals in the Phoenix Metro area.
Scholarships
Jazmin Rojas Garcia
is a determined junior college student enrolled in the concurrent program at Phoenix College, partnered with Arizona State University. As a first-generation college student born to immigrant parents, Jazmin is pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Nursing with a passion for pediatric care. Inspired by her single mother's resilience and sacrifice, she aspires to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and give back to her community. As Jazmin pursues her dreams, she remembers her mother's support, often saying, 'When you see me fly, remember you painted my wings.’
Nemanja Demic
A first-year Master of Counseling student at Arizona State University’s College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. Nemanja graduated from Northern Arizona University in December 2017 as the first in his family to obtain a 4-year degree. After NAU, Nemanja began a fruitful career in education, teaching first grade in Cofradia, Honduras, third grade in Chicago, IL, and then reading intervention in Seattle, WA, before transitioning into non-profit leadership. Though Nemanja has spent much time traveling and experiencing new cities, Phoenix has always been home. Nemanja is excited to begin a new adventure, a Masters in Counseling, with which Nemanja hopes to support queer-identifying individuals in navigating their mental health.
Peter Somoza
Peter Somoza is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, committed to pursuing a residency in psychiatry with a focus on both adult and child and adolescent psychiatry. Raised in central Phoenix by his single mother, he proudly became the first in his family to graduate from college. With nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, Peter is dedicated to serving underserved communities and utilizes his fluency in Spanish. His passion lies in psychiatry, particularly in supporting the LGBTQ community, including the transgender community and youth. Peter's goal is to contribute meaningfully to mental health care and advocacy, focusing on inclusivity and compassionate care.
Grayson Steinmetz
Grayson Steinmetz has lived in Arizona his entire life and is a graduate of Cactus High School. He is set to attend Arizona State University in the fall, with plans to double major in Film Production and Finance. Grayson aspires to break into the film industry, aiming to create films that tell stories far beyond his own reach to leave a positive impact on those who encounter them, believing that even a small notion can change a life.
Jenna Vanderhulst
A proud member of the queer community. In the past few years, she’s been president of both Young Athena and school's book club, Anytown Leadership Camp, National Honor Society, and much more. Next year, she will be attending Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts to study Environmental Studies!
Cimone Rogers
Originally from Chicago, has resided in Arizona for the past 12 years. She will be attending ASU to study Public Policy, aiming for a career as a City Manager.
Zoe Lenz
Is a rising freshman at Arizona State University majoring in Filmmaking. She graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy as a creative writing major. Her work has been recognized by the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She is a member of the Girl Up Global Advisory board, and a former member of the GLSEN AZ Shine team. She is a recovering theater kid. In her free time, she finds herself procrastinating.
Alison Bolanos Pina
Alison Bolanos is a first-generation queer student entering their sophomore year at Arizona State University, attending Barrett, the Honors College. They are majoring in astrophysics and minoring in film studies. In their free time, they enjoy sewing alternative clothing and volunteering at their local trans clinic.
Tony Doan (Anh Khoi Doan but please only use Tony Doan)
Tony is an immigrant from Vietnam who moved to America with his mother nearly four years ago at the age of 15, aspiring to apply their studies in politics, culture, and cognitive psychology to empower Vietnam’s youth and improve the lives of Vietnamese people. Additionally, Tony aims to make a positive impact on the LGBTQ community through his education and advocacy. Tony believes in a world enchanted by love, free from narrow-mindedness, where every individual is celebrated for their uniqueness. For Tony, life is worth living when we embrace and accept each other.
Sean Dolan
Sean Dolan (He/Him) originates from Fargo, North Dakota, where he learned to thoughtfully explore the thriving ecosystems along the Red River Valley. Access to Midwest clay gave him a means of self-expression and ceramics remains a meaningful outlet for him. He intends to apply these values at ASU Tempe in the Masters of Urban and Environmental Planning program to inform his utopian mindset.
Katrina Lews
Katrina Lewis received a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Arizona State University in 2020. They will be attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago this fall to pursue a master's degree in Historic Preservation. Katrina plays roller derby with the Arizona Derby Dames, where they also volunteer by training new skaters and serve as a managing board member of the league. They hope to use their graduate education to diversify the field of historic preservation and to conserve cultural sites of the queer community for future generations.
Claire Satiroff
Claire Satiroff is excited to begin her academic journey at the University of Arizona this fall, where she will be starting her first semester. With a deep passion for animals and a strong commitment to their well-being, Claire will be pursuing a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Her ultimate goal is to open her own veterinary clinic, providing high-quality care at the most affordable rates possible, ensuring that all pet owners have access to the services their animals need.
Scout Leigh
Scout Leigh (she/her) is entering her freshman year of college and will be studying Mechatronics Engineering. She enjoys designing sets for theatre productions, math tutoring, and designing robots for her robotics team. She enjoys volunteering at her local animal sanctuary and library to give back to the community. She is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ youth rights in educational setting. While in college she hopes to continue to spread awareness and love for not only LGBTQ+ youth but adults as well.
