Pride Center San Antonio announced seven recipients of their first annual Icon Awards at a June 23 brunch at the Pearl Stable.
The awards were given based on voting in six categories, with each category having several nominees. Voting for the winners was online and open to anyone in the community.
“We are floored by the number of people in our community who deserve to be recognized and the awe-inspiring work that demands recognition,” the Pride Center board said in an announcement prior to the voting. “With so many nominations submitted, rather than The Center deciding our honorees, the final decision will be left in the hands of our beloved community.”
The names of the winners were kept secret until the day of the brunch. Following is the list of award recipients.
Community Icon – Ginger Main Chun
Trans Allies SA and board member at Transgender Education Network of Texas
Leadership Icon – Andrea Figueroa
Longtime community organizer and executive director at Martinez Street Women’s Center
Legacy Icon – Marsha Warren
Marsha Warren – Longtime community organizer and activist
Media Icon – Diana Winters
Executive producer with KSAT-TV and creator of the station’s South Texas Pride Series.
Political Icon – Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez
First out Latina lesbian judge in Bexar County and longtime community activist
Rising Icon – Natalie Rodriguez
Community organizer with Esperanza Peace and Justice Center and who leads the Queer Corazones group
Rising Icon – Franco Ulloa
Community organizer, mentor with SA Trans Brothers and co-facilitator of San Antonio Men in Transition Peer Support Group
In response to her award, Andrea Figueroa, said in a statement on Facebook, “Today, it makes me so happy that we have a Pride Center in San Antonio, because of the tireless work of so many of my good friends!”
“In my job too, as executive director of the Martinez Street Women’s Center, where I have the privilege of being an out and visible chicana lesbiana, so maybe, our students can see a glimpse of themselves, and know they can be leaders now and tomorrow. Thank you Pride Center for a wonderful event, and congrats to all the winners and nominees. I’m lucky to be counted among you,” Figueroa added.
