The organization behind some of the anti-Trump protests staged in the Coachella Valley earlier this year has been awarded a Spirit Award by Greater Palm Springs Pride.
Courageous Resistance achieved the “Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year” award for organizing rallies in and around Palm Springs, at least one of which drew over 5,000 people.
“The group’s focus on voter education and advocacy has made them a force for positive change, standing in firm solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and championing rights for all,” Greater Palm Springs wrote in a news release.
Other awardees included drag queen Honey Davenport; the Rev. Jane Voigts of the United Methodist Church of Palm Springs; Loren Ostow, CEO and president of the Living Out apartment complex; Valerie Milano, publisher and senior editor at The Hollywood Times; and Ben and Bob Kincaid, owners of The Roadrunner and Ship.
“As administrations attempt to roll back protections and create a sense of fear and uncertainty, events like the Greater Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards serve as a powerful counter-narrative,” Ron deHarte, President and CEO of Palm Springs Pride, said in the release. “These awards do more than simply acknowledge individual achievements. They send a clear and resounding message that the LGBTQ+ community and its allies are strong, visible, and united.”
The Pride Honors awards are co-chaired by the Coachella Valley Firebirds, One Valley Foundation, Hilton Palm Springs and Desert Care Network.
“In the face of political rhetoric that seeks to erase or marginalize LGBTQ+ people, events that shine a spotlight on community leaders and their accomplishments are an act of resistance,” said Palm Springs Pride Executive Director Jasmine Sullivan-Waits. “They affirm the worth and dignity of a community under threat, and they inspire the next generation of advocates to continue the fight for equality and justice for all.”
Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Courageous Resistance among honorees of Greater Palm Springs Pride Spirit Awards
Reporting by Sam Morgen, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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