By community. For community.
Our HONORS Awards
Established in 2009, Our HONORS Community Image Awards celebrates the selfless contributions of LGBTQIA+ people of color on the West Coast.
Our HONORS Awards began because we needed a way to recognize our own within Los Angeles’ Black LGBTQIA+ community. There were people showing up, helping others, and making a difference simply out of love. They weren’t seeking payment, recognition, or personal gain. We wanted to highlight that good, honor those selfless efforts, and pay homage to people whose care and commitment deserved to be seen. Our award names and titles were chosen intentionally to recognize those contributions.
Our HONORS was never about popularity or what was trending. It was about recognizing people who had given their hearts to the work. We hoped that seeing their own siblings honored for giving and contributing to our Los Angeles village would inspire others to participate in their own way. As Our HONORS grew, we extended that recognition to our siblings in San Diego, Long Beach, and the Bay Area, embracing more of the people, organizations, artists, and storytellers whose efforts positively impact our lives. At its heart, the purpose remains the same: to celebrate those who give of themselves and use their talents, voices, and resources to help others. Everyone has something to offer, and every act of care helps strengthen the village we build together. By community. For community.
Looking ahead
Our HONORS 2027
March 2027 · Tentative
The event date will be announced.
With Appreciation to Our Awards Committee
We appreciate the countless hours and care our awards committee members have given throughout the years. Thank you for helping us recognize and honor our own.
- Jasmine Masters
- Jamaica Ja’Toi
- Nigel / 14K
- Egypt Blaque Knyle
- Queen Chela Demuir
Honorees through the years
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The Honors List
2023
Honors fair, accurate LGBTQ representation in media that challenges stereotypes.
- TransChorus of Los Angeles
- Neverending Nina
- LZ Love
Recognizes contributions that improve community life without reward or recognition.
- AJ Singleton
- LA Pirates
The Honors List
2022
Honors fair, accurate LGBTQ representation in media that challenges stereotypes.
- The Tyeese Report
- Tai’rance Kelly Sr.
- Jaden Fields
Legend Award
- Gerald Garth
Recognizes individuals whose pioneering contributions create new paths and opportunities for others.
- Ms. Billie Cooper
- Princess Murray
- Cynthia Madere
Recognizes distinguished contributions that advance LGBTQIA society and culture.
- Fila Masters
President’s Award
- Shannon Gibson
The Honors List
2021
Recognizes organizations advancing community development, youth outreach, HIV/AIDS work, and education.
- In The Meantime Men’s Group
- AMAAD Institute
Recognizes contributions that improve community life without reward or recognition.
- Reverend Li Arnee
- Liza Caballos
- Jaden Fields
- Gabriel “Gabe” Rondon
The Honors List
2019
Recognizes contributions that improve community life without reward or recognition.
- DJ Russell
- James Poole
- Will Entyse
- E.J. Johnson
- Ivan Daniel
- Sir Tony
Recognizes quality, creativity, innovation, and support for community causes.
- Egypt Blaque Knyle
Lifetime Achievement
- Reverend Alfreda Lanoix
- Kellii Trombacco
Icon Award
- Lamont Masters
The Honors List
2018
Advocacy & Community Building
- Tracie O’Brien
- Valerie Spencer
- Chris Wilson-Smith
- Brenda Gonzalez
- Tanya Segoura
- Maria Roman
- Bamby Salcedo
- Sharon Harris
- The Urban Social Club
- Transgeneros Unidas Program, BIENESTAR Hollywood
New Legend
- Queen Victoria Ortega
Honors fair, accurate LGBTQ representation in media that challenges stereotypes.
- Riku Matsuda
- Amita Swadhin
- Alexandra Grey
- Parnell Marcano
- Roxy Wood
Living Legend
- Jazzmun Crayton
- Karina Samala
Recognizes quality, creativity, innovation, and support for community causes.
- Egypt Blaque Knyle
Honorable Mentions
- House of Devastation
- Sir Lady Java
The Honors List
2016
Recognizes contributions that improve community life without reward or recognition.
- Chris Wilson
- Sir Tony
- Ariel Carrington
- Egypt
- James Poole
Honorable Mentions
- Will Entyse
- Brandon Anthony
Excellence Awards
- DJ Sidney Perry
- Ivan Daniels
- DJ Chris Johnson
- DJ Ben Castro
- DJ Russell
Icon Awards
- Desarae Pendavis
Legend Award
- Lamont Masters
Recognizes individuals whose pioneering contributions create new paths and opportunities for others.
- Tracie O’Brien
- Valerie Spencer
- E.J. Johnson
Lifetime Achievement / Legendary
- Wendell Carmichael
- Reverend Alfreda Lanoix
- Archbishop Carl Bean
Lifetime Achievement
- Kellii Trombacco
The Honors List
2012
Recognizes contributions that improve community life without reward or recognition.
- Tyreese Jackson
- Gregg Wilson
Recognizes individuals whose pioneering contributions create new paths and opportunities for others.
- Roman El-Krim
Recognizes quality, creativity, innovation, and support for community causes.
- Jasmine Masters
Neighborhood Award
- Gigi Masters
Humanitarian
- House of Devastation
Legend Award
- 14K
- Jasmine Masters
The Honors List
2009
Lifetime Achievement in Entertainment
- Alexis Principle
- Carletta Couture
- Fila Portman
- Miss Kiwi
- Monique Deveraux
Community Building / Space Providers
- Laverne Lamour / The Horizon
- Mahogany Wilson / Jewel’s Room / Divas for Dollars
- Viva Sexx / Peanuts
Humanitarian Award
- Jamaica Ja’Toi Carter
Recognizes quality, creativity, innovation, and support for community causes.
- Jasmine Masters
New Community Icons
- Ebony Lane
- Queen Chela Demuir
- Miss Kiwi
- Lamont Masters
Legend Award
- Lachance Deveraux
- Gigi Masters
Honorable Mentions / Legendary DJs
- Sydney Perry
- Chris Johnson
- DJ ABC (In Memoriam)
- DJ Eddie
- Trixie (In Memoriam)
- DJ Ben
Club Owners / Community Entities
- Jewel Thais Williams / Catch One Disco
- Michael Lafayette / The Study
- Louis & Robert / The Horizon
- Joe Beasley / The Caper Room / The Annex
- Wendell Carmichael / Watts Health Foundation / At the Beach Los Angeles
From the archive
Watch Our HONORS.
Give someone their flowers
Nominate a person or organization.
Tell us whose selfless efforts deserve to be recognized. Nominee contact details and supporting materials are private to the awards team. A nomination is reviewed by the committee and does not guarantee an award.
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Fresh voices. Shared purpose.
Join the awards committee.
Help us recognize the people making a difference. Tell us about the perspectives, experience, and connections you would bring to the committee.
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Award descriptions
- Unsung Hero
- Recognizes contributions that improve community life without reward or recognition.
- Image Award
- Honors fair, accurate LGBTQ representation in media that challenges stereotypes.
- Entertainer of the Year
- Recognizes quality, creativity, innovation, and support for community causes.
- Community Ally / Community-Based Agency
- Recognizes organizations advancing community development, youth outreach, HIV/AIDS work, and education.
- Trailblazer
- Recognizes individuals whose pioneering contributions create new paths and opportunities for others.
- Pioneer
- Recognizes distinguished contributions that advance LGBTQIA society and culture.