The Q’s OUTstanding Awards

Details coming soon.

Your 2018 OUTstanding Award Winners…

Prestigious Awards

Youth Achievement Award Zack Smith After overcoming bullying, Zack was active in the community being helpful and giving to others—without judgement. He was able to positively touch the lives of child while they were hospitalized. He is an inspiration of a giving heart.

Katherine Palmer Lifetime Achievement Award Steve Loomis As a gay man, Steve proudly served his country and is a decorated veteran. He conducted a ground breaking sexual harassment survey with emphasis on gays in command. He is a founding member of AVER—Bataan Chapter.

Stonewall Award Bunnie Benton Cruse Bunnie is 45 years old and is proud to be trans & Latina. Bunnie’s life has gone from homelessness, survival sex work & drug addiction to being an outspoken champion of the LGBTQ+ community.

Community

• • OUTstanding Educator
    Angela Macke – Inspiring musicians in the room where it happens since 2008. An epic middle school band director devoted to motivating, supporting & encouraging every child. Wife, Mother & chicken enthusiast – Always

• • OUTstanding First Responder
    Officer Nicholas Nielsen – As a former US Army MP, and now member of APD he strives to build a bridge between the LGBTIQ community and APD that is beneficial to everyone and removes all of the negative perceptions and fear.

• • OUTstanding Medical Partner
    UNM Truman Health Services – Since 1985 UNM Truman Health Services has been providing the most up-to-date care and treatment to people living with HIV in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico.

• • OUTstanding LGBTIQ Leader
    Jacqueline Grice – She founded Q Families in 2012 to provide a social/support group for LGBTIQ families. She finds pizza party sponsors for Casa Q, and with Q Families help, provided Christmas gifts for Casa Q kids.

• • OUTstanding Healthcare Professional
    Ed Fancovic MD – Dr. Ed provides primary care to the LGBT community, including PrEP, HIV treatment and hormone therapy. He also teaches LGBT health to students and residents at UNM, where he has worked since 1998.

• • OUTstanding Place for Pets
    Long Leash On Life – They’re more than a local health food store for pets. They improve your pets’ well-being & give back to the community. Many say it’s a gathering place for pets & the peeps who love them.

• • OUTstanding Public Official
    Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham – Michelle has fought to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ New Mexicans. She’s worked to repeal discriminatory laws, eliminate hate-motivated violence, and improve the health & well-being of our community.

• • OUTstanding Public or Social Worker
    Nic L. Sedillo, LPCC – He has dedicated his career to helping others, and offers many hours of free counseling to the community. He trains and guides others to have LGBT inclusive services and is a leader in mental health.

• • OUTstanding School
    University of New Mexico – UNM has been the flagship institution for NM since 1889. UNM is dedicated to ensuring LGBTQ students are affirmed & honored. They have supported their LGBTQ students with a Center and student groups.

• OUTstanding Social Influencer
  Alexandria – In 2015 she was suspended for using the girls restroom. This pushed her into fighting for trans rights. She also works to destigmatize sex wok, especially survival sex work many trans women engage in.

Outreach

• • OUTstanding Non-profit Organization
    Casa Q – Their mission is to provide safe living options and services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and allies who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

• • OUTstanding Place to Worship
    First Congregational United Church of Christ – They are a welcoming people, a church that reaches out to invite and include persons of every age, tongue, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and religious background.

• • OUTstanding Straight Ally
    Terri Trujillo – If you ask what makes her an ally, she will respond that she has not done anything special but love and support her children. She has been an advocate for her Trans children and others LGBTQ youth.

• OUTstanding Youth Group
  TEEN’MPower – TEEN’MPower is a youth group for teens 13-18. Driven by the participants, we do community outreach events and social events that are always free. We also hosted an LGBTQ prom this past year.

Personal Well Being

• • OUTstanding Barber
    Sarah “Baddass” Bridger – She gives to the world selfless courage to transform another person’s life through their outward appearance in an effort to match their inside.

• • OUTstanding Day Spa
    Betty’s Bath and Day Spa – This business was founded in 2000 in Albuquerque’s North Valley to provide residents and visitors with a relaxation and wellness retreat in a professional, welcoming, and friendly Spa setting.

• • OUTstanding Make-Up Artist
    Ashlynne Padilla – Pro makeup artist w/Film, TV & MAC. Longtime LGBTIQ advocate. Confidant for many loved ones wanting to come out. Local drag fan & judge for ABQ Soch Bloodbath. Strong believer of Equality for ALL.

• • OUTstanding Massage Therapist
    Ellen Santistevan – A volunteer at the TGRCNM & mom to 2 trans folks, she co-created an ethics class for massage therapists about working with transgender and intersex clients, the first class of its kind in the country.

• • OUTstanding Salon
    Shears To You Salon & Boutique – Since 2014, they have taken great pride in serving the LGBTQI community providing a safe, warm & welcoming salon. The professional hair team, complements your inner beauty to create the perfect look.

• OUTstanding Stylist
  Adan J. Branchal – After styling in Albuquerque for 18 years now, he feels very lucky to be in a career where he can help people see the beauty in themselves, and for a small fee, he’ll enhance and accentuate it!

Commerce

• • OUTstanding Local Business
    One Community Auto, LLC – Since 2013, they have been raising money for non-profits. Casa Q, TGRCNM & First Congregational Church UCC have received dozens of car donations to support their missions. Everyone Wins-Keep it local!

• • OUTstanding Major Corporation
    Smith’s Food and Drug – As Pride Sponsors they proudly advocate for equality through their core values of diversity, respect & inclusion. They know meals matter & provide food/funds to alleviate hunger in the LGBTQ community.

• • OUTstanding Real Estate Agent or Company
    Talia Freedman – A residential Realtor for over 12 years, Talia can be found at her new office on Lomas and Montclaire where she continues serving the GLBT community in the Albuquerque area with excellence and caring.

• • OUTstanding Restaurant
    Range Cafe – Great food and great atmosphere. Supports and sponsors LGBT events.

• OUTstanding Store to Shop
  Self Serve – A sex-positive, health & education-focused adult shop and resource center. They believe that sex is healthy and pleasure is good for you. They are queer owned and dedicated to our community.

Art

• • OUTstanding Artist
    Sara Karola – A gay, body positive, sex positive, artist that promotes communication and acceptance through her work. Known for Her Dirty Dishes, she also has a family friendly line that she sells with her fiance!

• • OUTstanding Graphic Designer
    Rudy Montoya – Native New Mexican Graphic Designer, Rudy has enjoyed donating his services to United Court of the Sandias, Equality New Mexico and Planned Parenthood in addition to building a large client base.

• OUTstanding Photographer
  Max Woltman – Thanks Albuquerque for your continued support! Through photography, we celebrate our present beauty and values, remember our past, and look forward to future progress we can make in our community.

Entertainment

• • OUTstanding Bar or Nightclub
    Albuquerque Social Club – The Albuquerque Social Club has been servicing the LGBTIQ community for over 3 decades. We are the home of the many, open to all club that provides a safe, friendly and exciting atmosphere.

• • OUTstanding Bartender
    Joseph Richardson – I’ve been in the service industry for 24 yrs. Working at the Soch a not for profit for 14 years of it! I love what I do and couldn’t ask for a better life!

• • OUTstanding DJ
    FreakNStitch – FreakNStitch are the first married gay do couple in Albuquerque playing at Effex every Friday night. They also spin at PrideFest and Aids Walk every year and donate time to various charity events.

• • OUTstanding Drag King
    Trey C. Michaels – Mister Arizona USofA MI Trey C. Michaels has been performing in the Southwest for over 6 years. He is known for his charming performances, infectious smile, and desire to help his ABQ community.

• • OUTstanding Drag Queen
    Kalorie Karbdashian-Williams – A NM native, and entertainer for the past 5 years. She’s a queen that’s all about body positivity and embracing being PHAT. Pretty Hot and Thick. She’s the kind of kalorie missing from your diet. 🙂

• • OUTstanding Individual Entertainer
    Missy Venture – Missy Venture, burlesque/femme entertainer, has performed in the Southwest for over 5 years, bringing together the drag and burly communities. She also runs her own emergency food drive for families.

• • OUTstanding Performance Group
    The New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus – For 37 years , The NMGMC has continued to change lives through music by celebrating the victories our LGBTQI community has won, honoring the memories of those lost and inspiring those in need.

• • OUTstanding Vocalist
    April Lisette – She has been a professional singer in Musical Theatre and a piano, voice & acting instructor to children ages 3-17. Her band Wild Humans debut album will make their World Wide release this Spring.

• OUTstanding Youth Entertainer
  Knight Gregory Peters – Joined UCS U21 line, has been performing to help raise money for different charities. Also helps collect and distribute items with Light in the Night homeless outreach. At 10,he helps the community.