Honors

Cathy Renna – Heroes Award

Cathy is the Director of Communications for the National LGBTQ Task Force. Cathy is one of the most influential LGBTQ media professionals in the country. Since her time at GLAAD through the 1990’s, Cathy has executed her particular expertise in crisis and strategic communications, playing a central role in shaping nearly all major issues affecting the LGBTQ community, from the beating death of Matthew Shepard in 1998 to the fight for marriage equality (including locally) and the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. She went on to found Renna Communications and then Target Cue in 2013. In her near 30 years of media relations and activism experience, Cathy has garnered placements in every major media outlet in the U.S. and internationally, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Associated Press, BBC, and the Washington Post. She continues to be a sought-after spokesperson for LGBTQ+ issues. Renna lives in Montclair, New Jersey with her wife Karen and their ornery but lovable cat Winston. She is the proud Mom of Mars, who attends HSPVA High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX.

Jerry St. Louis – Heroes Award

Jerry St. Louis exemplifies such dedication, having made significant contributions to the community on both local and national levels. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Therapist, and community advocate, Jerry’s career has been rooted in serving marginalized populations. His work as a queer sexual health educator and the founder of Of Colors Healing, LLC has been instrumental in addressing the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those from Black and Brown communities. His commitment to dismantling barriers to education, particularly in the realm of sexual health, is a powerful example of how intersectionality can shape policy and practice. On a local level, Jerry has worked tirelessly in school settings, advocating for Black and Brown students and families, particularly those from LGBTQIA+ backgrounds. By shining bright himself he enables others to show up boldly and offers a refreshing insight into betting on yourself to be the change you want to see!

Ernest Hopkins – Heroes Award

Ernest Hopkins is the last living co-founder of the inaugural Black Gay and Lesbian Pride Day in 1991, an event that has played a pivotal role in funding essential services for HIV/AIDS patients and has lead to Black pride events being established nationally and internationally. Professionally, Ernest is a prominent HIV/AIDS activist who has started programs that have had a significant impact to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS especially in the Black Gay community. Recognized for his impactful work, Hopkins received the Congressional Black Caucus’s Leadership Award, and the DC Black Pride’s Unsung Hero Award was renamed in his honor in 2021. “Ernest Hopkins leads the San Francisco AIDS Foundation national policy and legislative activities at the federal administrative and congressional levels, seeking appropriate levels of resource and sound public health policies that promote the health and wellness of San Franciscans living with and at risk for HIV. The efforts of Ernest Hopkins have saved the lives of countless individuals and built a stronger community.

Lamar Braithwaite – Heroes Award

Lamar Braithwaite is a real estate agent and community leader who brings amazing energy, joy and dedication to every role he plays in the Greater Washington LGTBQ+ community. Professionally, Lamar is a licensed agent with Coldwell Banker Realty, specializing in assisting first-time buyers and new arrivals to the dynamic DMV real estate scene. In the regional LGBTQ+ community, Lamar has taken on a series of leadership roles. Most notably, in recent years, he has served as an active volunteer and now Board Chair of SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders), which operates the largest housing, mental health, and social support services for LGBTQ+ youth in the DMV region. For four years, Lamar co-chaired the SMYAL Annual Brunch, setting new records every year for revenues and attendance. Lamar is also active in the DC Stonewall Kickball League, playing on the “Pitch You Tried It” team. Lamar has a volunteer’s heart and proudly supports his community through active involvement with numerous charities and LGBTQ+ organizations including SMYAL, Capital Pride Alliance, Joseph’s House, Stonewall Kickball D.C., and the Wanda Alston Foundation. In 2023, Lamar was included among the Washington Business Journal’s LGBTQ Business Awards. As a gay black man and active participant in Stonewall Sports, he is a leader and role model in the community.

Pastor Donna – Heroes Award

Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, has made a significant impact on the lives of the LGBTQ+ community with her courageous decision to perform same-sex marriages when they were banned by the United Methodist Church, putting her ordination at risk; with her leadership as the congregation voted to join the Reconciling Ministries Network, which works for full inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in the United Methodist denomination; and with her joyful embrace of marching in the Capital Pride Parade, demonstrating God’s love for everyone. As a leading figure in urban church renewal, Rev. Sokol’s embrace of the LGBTQ+ community has served as an example to other churches nationwide seeking become fully inclusive. When the United Methodist Church, in 2019, not only affirmed but strengthened its anti-LGBTQ+ policies, Rev. Sokol said: “I pray the Spirit of the living God falls freshly upon each LGBTQ+ person, boldly reminding them of their belovedness. I am so sorry for the pain the institution has caused, the harm inflicted. I see you. I love you. I stand with you and for you.” And then, in 2024, when the United Methodist Church’s General Conference rescinded all its anti-LGBTQ+ language, Rev. Sokol said: I give thanks and praise to God for all that has been changed while continuing to pray for my LGBTQ+ siblings who have been painfully harmed by the church’s unjust teaching and practices.” Twenty years of service to the LGBTQ+ community in the DMV.

Kriston Pumphrey – Breaking Barriers Award

Kriston Pumphrey founded Colorfest, an annual conference for Deaf LGBTQIA+ students at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and Gallaudet University. This event provides a vital space for connection, workshops, and social gatherings. Beyond Colorfest, Kriston has been a leader in organizing events and workshops that support both the broader Deaf LGBTQIA+ community and BIPOC LGBTQIA+ individuals. Through his efforts, he has created safe and inclusive spaces, fostering visibility, empowerment, and community engagement on local, regional, and national levels. Through his efforts, he has created safe and inclusive spaces, fostering visibility, empowerment, and community engagement on local, regional, and national levels.

Gia Chanel Marius (Nova Salud) – Visibility Award

Gia Martinez has made profound contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, especially for transgender Latinas, through her unwavering dedication and transformative efforts. As a transgender woman of Peruvian origin, Gia has become a beacon of hope and support, addressing critical issues faced by her community locally and beyond. Her work with transgender individuals living with HIV, her advocacy for safe and medically supervised hormone use, and her efforts to provide shelter and care for transgender women who have faced rejection highlight her compassion and commitment to uplifting marginalized voices. Gia’s leadership in the T-Sista program at Novasalud has empowered new generations of transgender individuals, equipping them with the tools, resources, and confidence to thrive in the face of adversity. Additionally, her role as a Senior Health Educator emphasizes her holistic approach to health and wellness, promoting disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and awareness of critical health screenings.

Kraig Williams – Bill Miles Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service

Kraig Ronald Williams began volunteering with the Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) in 2023, driven by a desire to engage with the community in an inclusive manner, and forge connections with individuals who share his commitment to making a positive difference in the LGBTQIA+ community. His previous experience in community-based volunteering includes Casa Ruby from 2015-2019, collaborating with DC LULAC in several canned food and supplies drives benefiting the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC), event planning and coordination with DC Latinx Pride, particularly La Fiesta, and Project Briggs, Inc, organizing annual fundraisers, primarily the annual “Power 30” awards program and fundraiser.

Kraig has served in a variety of capacities within CPA including a two-year stint as a Safety Response Officer for the Health & Safety Team, under the direction of William Hawkins. In addition, he has taken the lead in curating and implementing community outreach initiatives for the Community Engagement Team including tabling opportunities with community-based organizations to showcase CPA programming and promotional activations for World Pride DC. Kraig aims to further support CPA’s mission of continued community engagement and volunteer service.

Kraig is currently Vice-President of Finance and Program Events for Project Briggs, Inc., a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to fostering urban initiatives, cultural events, and activities that cater to a variety of communities.

SMYAL – Larry Stansbury Award for Exemplary Contributions to Pride

For more than 40 year’s SMYAL has served as a beacon of hope and empowerment for thousands of LGBTQ+ youth in the Washington metro area. SMYAL supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth and actively works to create a world where queer and trans youth thrive through affirming programs and services designed to develop critical life skills, build community, and foster a sense of belonging.