Nominations for the following awards are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. Please check back frequently for the announcement of our award winners!
The Utah Pride Festival, a program of the Utah Pride Center, is proud to accept nominations for the following awards. All nominations must be completed online and within the deadline to be considered.
Dr. Kristen Ries Community Service Award
Established in 1987 this award was first presented to Dr. Kristen Ries for her humanitarian efforts in dealing with the AIDS crisis, and forever named in her honor. This award recognizes outstanding service to the greater lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Utah, and is given to individual(s) who are dedicated to continuing that legacy of service. Those who receive this award are role models for Utah's LGBTQ community, and like Dr. Kristen Ries "exemplify everything that the award has stood for: compassion, leadership and courage."
The recipient is chosen by past awardees, including Doug Fadel, Rep. Jackie Biskupski, Doug Wortham, Luci Malin, Jane & Tami Marquardt , Walter Larrabee, Mark Swonson, Michael Aaron, and Valerie Larabee.
Pete Suazo Political Action Awards
Established in 2002 in honor of Senator Pete Suazo's tireless attempts to pass Hate Crimes legislation in Utah, paired with his continual efforts to remind the Utah State Legislature of the great diversity found in our state. This award is presented to an elected Utah official who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to equal rights for the LGBTQ community of Utah through legislation, policy or declaration.
The recipient is chosen by a committee including leaders of Equality Utah, Stonewall Democrats, Log Cabin Republicans, Human Rights Campaign and the Utah Pride Center. Recent winners include Rep. David Litvak, Sen. Karen Hale, Mark Shurtleff , Paula Julander, Rep. Carol Spackman-Moss, Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., Rep. Christine Johnson, Mayor Ralph Becker, and Ben McAdams.
2013 Timeline
- March 1st – Nomination Deadline
- March 15th – Selection Completed (Round 1)
- March 22nd – Selection Completed (Round 2 if needed)
- March 29th – Notification to Award Recipients
- April 1st – Award Recipient Photos Completed
- April 10th – Award Recipeints Announced
