OBC Annual Awards
2022 Volunteer Awards
Another year is coming to an end, and as we look back at what we've accomplished in 2022, we know that it could not have been possible without our hardworking volunteers. We thank you for all the time that you put into Out Boulder County and the LGBTQ+ community.
Now of course, each year we have a few volunteers that go above and beyond in their service and time commitment. Thank you Anna Vaine, Astrid Etemadi, Dan Thomas, Greg Ginocchio, Jamey Johnston, Joel Duran, and Sarah Peapples for your contributions to OBC and our programs throughout 2022. We are thankful to each and every one of you.
The GAYLA
Every year, Out Boulder County awards the Changemaker Award and Corporate Changemaker Award recipients.
Changemaker Award Recipients:
2023: Jean Dubofsky
2022: Margaret Katz Cann, Josie Heath
2021: Carmen Ramirez
2020: Rev. Nicole M. Garcia
2019: Marlon Reis
2017: David Ensign, Mardi Moore
2016: Ron Cabrera, Glenda Russell
2015: Frank O'Cana, Hillary Hall
2014: NA/Tribute to Jo Arnold
2013: Dustin Lance Black, Bob Morehouse
Corporate Changemaker Award Recipients:
2023: Wana Brands & Wana Brands Foundation
2022: JVA, Inc.
2021: Medtronic
2020: Capital One
2019: Seagate Technology
The Garden Party
Every year, Out Boulder County honors three outstanding members of our community with the Allies in Action Award, Big Hearts Award, and the Ignite and Inspire Youth Leadership Award.
Clela Rorex Allies in Action Award
This prestigious award is named for the woman who set the bar for equal rights in Colorado. In 1975, Clela Rorex who at the time was the Boulder County Clerk issued the country's first legally administered marriage licenses to same-sex couples. As you can image, this courageous act created widespread publicity and criticism for Ms. Rorex but she never once wavered from her stance even with the risk of losing her job. Since that time Ms. Rorex has continued to be an important ally for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer communities.
Previous Clela Rorex Allies in Action Award Recipients:
2023 Rep. Karen McCormick
2022 Joel Edelstein
2021 Jorge De Santiago
2020 Christine Gibbons
2019 Michael Dougherty
2018 Mandy Blumreich
2017 Dorothy Rupert
2016 Jean Dubofsky
2015 Hillary Hall
2014 Anne Guilfole
2013 Barb Miller
2012 Clela Rorex
Jack and Jean Hodges Big Hearts Award
Each year Out Boulder recognizes one person who has made outstanding contributions to Boulder County's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. Nominations are now open for the 2015 award.
The Big Hearts Award celebrates a member of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer community who has contributed to the community in a significant fashion. Inspired by Jean and Jack Hodges whose big hearts compelled them to found PFLAG Boulder, the award was first given to them in 2005 and has been given in their honor each year since.
Previous Big Hearts Award Recipients:
2023 Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis
2022 Dana Derichsweiler
2021 W. Ravyn Wayne
2020 Amber Paoloemilio
2019 Amy Zuckerman
2018 Keith Brown
2017 Ann Noonan
2016 John Hoffman
2015 Bethy Leonardi and Sara Staley
2014 Gus Spheeris
2013 Nancy Grimes
2012 Frank O'Cana
2011 Bob Morehouse
2010 Glenda Russell
2009 Casey Gallagher
2007 Dave Ensign
2006 Randy Porter
2005 Jean and Jack Hodges
Ignite and Inspire Youth Leadership Award
This award is given to a youth leader in our community who fires up their community to make change! The winner of Out Boulder County's Ignite and Inspire Youth Leadership Award must be under the age of 25 and made a substantive and inspiring change in Boulder County for the Gender and Sexual Minority (GSM) community. Allies are eligible for this award, but LGBTQ-identified leaders will be given priority.
Previous Ignite and Inspire Youth Leadership Award Recipients:
2022 Hunter Markey
2021 Éowyn Poplawski
2020 Lily Berlin
2019 Nicolas Bell
2018 Posthumously honored Wylder Anderson
2017 Fae Willmann
2016 Gav Bell