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Congratulations to
The Cleveland Public Library!
The 2025 recipient of the
Bruce G. Kriete Community Award
in appreciation of its commitment to make PFLAG Cleveland resources available to patrons across all CPL locations.
Bruce G. Kriete was a PFLAG Cleveland board member remembered for his energetic outreach efforts in our community. The award is given annually to an individual, organization or group that has promoted understanding and acceptance of Northeast Ohio's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender citizens, and their families and friends. The PFLAG Cleveland Advisory Board nominates and selects the recipient(s) and honors each year's recipient(s) at a PFLAG Cleveland special event.
* While PFLAG Cleveland will not endorse any political candidate for public office. When warranted however, we will recognize the efforts of an elected official who courageously supports the civil rights of our LGBTQ community.Bruce G. Kriete was a PFLAG Cleveland board member remembered for his energetic outreach efforts in our community. The award is given annually to an individual, organization or group that has promoted understanding and acceptance of Northeast Ohio's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender citizens, and their families and friends. The PFLAG Cleveland Advisory Board nominates and selects the recipient(s) and honors each year's recipient(s) at a PFLAG Cleveland special event.
Year
Recipient
Reason
2024
Jennifer Speer, President, Brecksville/Broadview Heights PRIDE & Samuel J. Alai, Mayor, City of Broadview Heights
Jennifer Speer, President, Brecksville/Broadview Heights PRIDE & Samuel J. Alai, Mayor, City of Broadview Heights
For their unwavering commitment to celebrating LGBTQ+ PRIDE in Brecksville/Broadview Heights, Ohio. Read press release: PFLAG CLEVELAND 2024 COMMUNITY AWARD
For their unwavering commitment to celebrating LGBTQ+ PRIDE in Brecksville/Broadview Heights, Ohio. Read press release: PFLAG CLEVELAND 2024 COMMUNITY AWARD
2023
Betty Jacobs, BSW, LSW, Founder of LGBTQ+ Allies Lake County
Betty Jacobs, BSW, LSW, Founder of LGBTQ+ Allies Lake County
For her stalwart support of the LGBTQ+ Community of Lake County.
For her stalwart support of the LGBTQ+ Community of Lake County.
2022
Dr. Ken Schneck, professor, author, journalist, advocate
Dr. Ken Schneck, professor, author, journalist, advocate
For innovative advocacy and multimedia promotion of LGBTQ+ equality.
For innovative advocacy and multimedia promotion of LGBTQ+ equality.
2021
Richard Trojanski, City Councilman, Maple Heights, Ohio*
Richard Trojanski, City Councilman, Maple Heights, Ohio*
In recognition of his efforts to make the City of Maple Heights a more inclusive community and introducing a council resolution to designate 'June as Pride Month' in the city.
In recognition of his efforts to make the City of Maple Heights a more inclusive community and introducing a council resolution to designate 'June as Pride Month' in the city.
2020
Phyllis “Seven” Harris, Executive Director of the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
Phyllis “Seven” Harris, Executive Director of the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
For providing Northeast Ohio with a new LGBTQ+ center and for inspirational leadership on social justice issues during a pandemic.
For providing Northeast Ohio with a new LGBTQ+ center and for inspirational leadership on social justice issues during a pandemic.
2019
Robert Helmer, President, Baldwin Wallace University Board of Trustees
For advancing equality by disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church in order to more fully embrace and embody its institutional values of diversity and inclusion today and always.
For advancing equality by disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church in order to more fully embrace and embody its institutional values of diversity and inclusion today and always.
2018
Debra Kimble
Debra Kimble
For extraordinary service as editor of the NE Ohio PFLAG Newsletter
For extraordinary service as editor of the NE Ohio PFLAG Newsletter
2017
Karen and Bob Gross
Karen and Bob Gross
For groundbreaking and longstanding leadership in the Northeast Ohio Transgender Community
For groundbreaking and longstanding leadership in the Northeast Ohio Transgender Community
2016
Letitia Lopez
Letitia Lopez
For courage, compassion, and actions to further visibility and education of LGBTQ issues among Latinx communities in Greater Cleveland
For courage, compassion, and actions to further visibility and education of LGBTQ issues among Latinx communities in Greater Cleveland
2015
Jeff Johnson, Cleveland City Councilman *
Jeff Johnson, Cleveland City Councilman *
Who led transformative dialogue on the Council's ordinance governing equal use of restrooms, crystallizing understanding, by comparing transgender discrimination to that of people of color, during the Civil Rights Era
Who led transformative dialogue on the Council's ordinance governing equal use of restrooms, crystallizing understanding, by comparing transgender discrimination to that of people of color, during the Civil Rights Era
2014
Regina Brett
Regina Brett
Plain Dealer Columnist, for her enduring advocacy of equal rights for LGBT people and allies, in schools and communities, through journalism.
Plain Dealer Columnist, for her enduring advocacy of equal rights for LGBT people and allies, in schools and communities, through journalism.
2013
Rob Portman, US Senator from Ohio *
Rob Portman, US Senator from Ohio *
In recognition of his extraordinary courage in advancing marriage equality and affirming support for his son.
In recognition of his extraordinary courage in advancing marriage equality and affirming support for his son.
2012
Consolidated Graphics Group & The Lanci Family
Consolidated Graphics Group & The Lanci Family
Consolidated Graphics Group (http://cgg-inc.com) and the Lanci Family for generous production of printed materials and leadership in speaking out on behalf of the LGBT community. Owned and operated by the Lanci family, CGG is a leader in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Ken and Linda Lanci willingly give of their time, speaking widely on behalf of the LGBT community.
Consolidated Graphics Group (http://cgg-inc.com) and the Lanci Family for generous production of printed materials and leadership in speaking out on behalf of the LGBT community. Owned and operated by the Lanci family, CGG is a leader in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Ken and Linda Lanci willingly give of their time, speaking widely on behalf of the LGBT community.
2011
Jennifer Romanic
Jennifer Romanic
Jennifer Romanic, a public school high school teacher, saved a young man and, in the process, healed his family and found herself transformed.
Jennifer Romanic, a public school high school teacher, saved a young man and, in the process, healed his family and found herself transformed.
2010
Ann and Ed Hoenigman
Ann and Ed Hoenigman
Ann and Ed Hoenigman taught about LGBT issues and advocated on behalf of LGBTQ high school students in the Cleveland Catholic High schools.
Ann and Ed Hoenigman taught about LGBT issues and advocated on behalf of LGBTQ high school students in the Cleveland Catholic High schools.
2009
Joe Cimperman *
Joe Cimperman *
Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman (Ward 3) displayed extraordinary leadership which helped pass the Cleveland Domestic Partnership Registry of 2008.
Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman (Ward 3) displayed extraordinary leadership which helped pass the Cleveland Domestic Partnership Registry of 2008.
2008
Dale Miller, Ohio Senator (OH-23) *
Dale Miller, Ohio Senator (OH-23) *
Dale Miller introduced legislation to end discrimination of the LGBT community in housing and employment.
Dale Miller introduced legislation to end discrimination of the LGBT community in housing and employment.
2007
Tammi Brown on behalf of Convention & Visitors Bureau Of Greater Cleveland
Tammi Brown on behalf of Convention & Visitors Bureau Of Greater Cleveland
VP for Marketing and Communications at Positively Cleveland Convention and Visitors Bureau, and her group pioneered the creation of the LGBT Visitor’s Guide and website, the first of its kind in the state. The Guide focuses on the needs of the LGBT traveler and noted gay friendly businesses useful to tourists.
VP for Marketing and Communications at Positively Cleveland Convention and Visitors Bureau, and her group pioneered the creation of the LGBT Visitor’s Guide and website, the first of its kind in the state. The Guide focuses on the needs of the LGBT traveler and noted gay friendly businesses useful to tourists.
2006
Dick Feagler
Dick Feagler
Dick Feagler, a Plain Dealer Columnist, wrote in support of the LGBT community in the Plain Dealer and in his books.
Dick Feagler, a Plain Dealer Columnist, wrote in support of the LGBT community in the Plain Dealer and in his books.
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