Each year, the tri-Pride Community Awards recognize the accomplishments of Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered/Queer (LGBTQ) individuals and supportive groups and organizations within Waterloo Region. Making visible the work of these individuals and groups is truly important as it helps to foster community engagement and reward the services that people contribute to make our community a better place in which to live for everyone!
Congratulations to our 2013 Award Recipients! Join us at 12:00pm on Saturday June 1st on the King Street Stage at the tri-Pride Live Music Festival as we proudly recognize this year’s recipients.
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL: BRADLEY HAMACHER
While the name Bradley Hamacher may not sound recognizable to many individuals in the LGBTQ community, the name Miss Drew is another matter. For several years, Bradley has served as a fearless leader in Waterloo Region’s LGBTQ community as the female illusionist/drag queen, Miss Drew. Through the years, Bradley has been instrumental in fundraising thousands of dollars for countless organizations, including ACCKWA, Canadian Cancer Society, and tri-Pride. While hosting his ever-popular drag show at Club Renaissance every Thursday night, “All That Glitters Is Gold”, Bradley does it with true showmanship, passion, a witty sense of humour and a big heart for giving back to his community whenever possible.
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS: THE JANE BOND
Located at 5 Princess St. W., The Jane Bond has provided a warm atmosphere for the LGBTQ community to meet, dine and socialize for several years. Always a big supporter of ACCKWA’s Taste For Life fundraisers, The Jane Bond remains dedicated in providing a positive and welcoming establishment where the rainbow community can feel safe and included.
OUTSTANDING YOUTH: JESSICA DEL ROSSO
Becoming homeless and entering the foster care system at 15, Jessica has overcome unbelievable challenges (that are sadly too common for so many of our rainbow youth), to excel as a courageous leader in Waterloo Region. Recently awarded The Record’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, Jessica dedicates her time working with numerous organizations, including Family and Children’s Services as their first Peer Mentor Team Leader. Jessica often speaks publicly to youth with the important message that they are just as capable as others to achieve their dreams and goals. With a long-term goal to oneday work with LGBTQ youth in Toronto, Jessica stands as a strong role model for other rainbow youth in our community.
ROBIN’S NEST COMMUNITY BUILDER: LANGS
Serving Waterloo Region and beyond, Langs is a dynamic, respected community development organization providing comprehensive health and social support services. With their expertise, they have quickly grown to be considered a central resource for rainbow health in Waterloo Region. They deploy many local health and wellness programs, and have become the central deployment resource for trans health in Waterloo Region, taking trailblazing efforts to train their medical and social work staff in areas such as general LGBTQ, trans, and LGBTQ seniors care. There is no end in sight for Langs as they continue to grow and develop programs with dedication to supporting our local rainbow community.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s well-deserved recipients!
