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The 2004 Queer Youth Leadership Awards
Designed to honor the leadership of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered or Intersexed (GLBTI) young people in our community. Six $500 awards will be given to Queer Youth who are 12 to 18 years of age.
2004 Queer Youth Leadership Award - Awardees
Alfonzo Collazo
Watsonville High School Graduate
Alfonzo Collazo is a recent graduate of Watsonville High School. As a student, he inspired many students and teachers with his dedication to community service. He is aware of the role that community service has in its contribution to positive community change. He has tirelessly dedicated hundreds of hours of volunteer work with Population Services International’s Teen Sexual Risk Reduction Project. The groups he has worked with are not only pleased with his work, but also proud to be a part of the same community as Alfonzo. Alfonzo is very well known throughout Santa Cruz County and an accomplished young leader. His name and face have appeared in newspapers throughout the County several times. He wrote a touching article for “Shout Out,” a local teen newspaper, about being a Queer Latino. His other activist work includes assisting with parent workshops about teen sexuality and improving teen access to contraceptives by helping design and situate Safer Sex Machines (condom vending machines). He has been involved in organizing the annual fashion show at Watsonville High. As a Queer youth, Alfonzo is outspoken, confident and exudes leadership qualities in everything he does. His great sense of humor, wit and unquenchable desire to succeed make him stand out in a crowd.
Jonathan Jackson
Renaissance High School Student
Jonathan Jackson is the founding member of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at Renaissance High School in Watsonville. In 2003, Jonathan organized a Day Of Silence to educate and make people aware of violence against people based on their sexual orientation. He plans to host another Day Of Silence this year as well. Jonathan is a stellar role model for all students. He is open with his sexual orientation at his school and has made a positive impact on the student body. Being out as a young person in Watsonville can be challenging due to the cultural assumptions and lack of education about homosexuality. Jonathan rises to that occasion by always being open and honest and never letting people see him down. He is an incredible writer and has several stories published on line. He is an avid reader and this influences other students because he talks about his reading and writing often. Besides organizing GSA, Jonathan is also a muralist and stays after school two days a week painting murals. His opinions are articulate and well thought out. He is not afraid to speak his mind or take the first step towards something new. This is definitely a sign of a true leader.
Joshua Moreno
Watsonville High School Student
Currently a sophomore at Watsonville High School, Joshua Moreno is admirable for his extensive work within the Queer community. Joshua’s initiative to become involved within the community just last year in his freshman year is well worthy of mention. He played an active role during the 2003 Queer Youth Leadership Ceremony as a co-moderator for the event. Joshua’s commitment to Watsonville High’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), has earned him the seat as GSA Co-Chair for this school year. He pioneered the idea to hold a dance at Watsonville High with GSA and STRANGE. Joshua is also affiliated with Gay And Proud (GAP) of Salud Para La Gente in Watsonville. Just this year, Joshua attended the OHMY conference in San Francisco as the only student from Watsonville High to attend. Joshua’s charismatic leadership qualities have allowed him to establish friendships and working relationships with students outside the Queer community at his school. Many students who were uneducated about the Queer youth community have learned a lot from Joshua. He is not simply a role model for youth who are coming out, but for the greater student-body as well. Joshua's presence as a role model in his community is promising for a future in community leadership.
Jerry Sarmiento
High School Student
Jerry Sarmiento recently attended New School, an alternative education school in Watsonville. Just last year, Jerry came out to his fellow classmates. Although, many students questioned and/or felt uncomfortable with his openness, Jerry has committed himself to creating a safe space for Queer students at New School. Jerry continues to set a positive example and breaks all misconceptions of what it means to be “gay.” He has proven strength when confronted with disrespectful attitudes directed towards the Queer community. Jerry does not tolerate any form of unacceptable behavior. Jerry’s presence is an asset to the campus of New School not only for his commitment to Queer youth rights, but for his leadership and drive to create a safe space for Queer youth. He has changed the atmosphere at New School so that Queer students are accepted and has also set a positive tone of acceptance for alternative lifestyles. Young leaders like Jerry are highly praised for making such a significant difference in the lives of many. Furthermore, he has made a difference in many others who are outside the gay community on his campus by breaking stereotypes of what it means to be Queer. His leadership within the Queer youth community is commended.
Vanessa Soma
Scotts Valley High School Student
Vanessa Soma is a student leader at Scotts Valley High School. She is well known as a “wonderful model of courage and honesty for her peers and the entire school population.” Vanessa strives for recognition and respect for the Queer youth community at Scotts Valley High. As part of her efforts to strengthen the Queer community in Scotts Valley, Vanessa brought Triangle Speakers to her campus. Vanessa was an active member of a panel that spoke before the staff and school board. She spoke with eloquence and confidence which helped many of the adult members of the school and of the greater Scotts Valley community recognize the need for a stronger and more active GLBTQ voice on campus. She has spent over 300 hours volunteering for such community-serving organizations as the Dominican Hospital, Scotts Valley Education Foundation, Scotts Valley Arts Commission, Friday Night Live, Special Olympics, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, Mount Cross Camps, Scotts Valley High School Drama, and the Santa Cruz Aids Project. Vanessa is described as self-motivated with the ability to carry her various responsibilities extremely well. She balances her life with artistic expression and intellectual pursuit. Vanessa is a driven young woman with a passion for the rights and recognition for Queer people.
Shanti Zunes-Wolfe
Santa Cruz High School Student
Shanti Zunes-Wolfe is a sophomore at Santa Cruz High School. If asked, she will say she's bi or pansexual but prefers not to use labels. Shanti plays an active and imperative role within Santa Cruz High’s Rainbow Alliance. Shanti has attended a number of gatherings and workshops throughout central California that were organized by the ACLU and several other groups who are committed to the civil rights of the GLBTQ community. Shanti has also volunteered at a few Resource Center for Non-Violence events and advocates for peace. Outside of the GLBTQ community, Shanti is a counter-military organizer and is part of the Youth Alliance on her campus, which has been working against the No Child Left Behind Act, especially in terms of military recruitment policies. Her affiliation with the Rainbow Alliance and Youth Alliance is key in establishing a more representative and engaged student body. In her openness with her sexuality on campus, she helps to educate her peers of the versatility of the Queer community by not restricting herself to just one cause. Young leaders like Shanti help to bridge together and erase those gaps in our society in which homophobia and ignorance are produced. Shanti’s dedication to her community is of the greatest admiration.
2004 Queer Youth Leadership Award- Nominees
Megan Fitzgerald
Scotts Valley High School Student
Megan Fitzgerald is valuable member of the Scotts Valley High School student body. She has overcome many obstacles in her young life that have made her the confident leader that she is today. The struggle to come to terms with her sexual-orientation and in coming out, has brought many difficulties into her life, especially at school. Despite these impediments however, she consistently remains true to her self and her identity. Megan has also consistently volunteered for the many plays that the school produces. She has helped build sets for a number of the plays in the past three years, and has diligently been a responsible member of the Stage Crew. Her hard work and perseverance have recently earned her the position as Crew Chief for the upcoming musical on campus. Megan enjoys writing poetry and several types of fiction as a hobby. Megan has learned to work with her difficulties and triumphs through writing. She has also been elected as President to the Poetry Club. Megan acquires skills that are of great value to her peers and other questioning youth. The Queer youth community is fortunate to have such a determined and promising individual on its team!
Lily Frazier-Ransom
Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School Student
Lily Frazier-Ransom is a student at Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School in Santa Cruz. She is a leading member of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) on the Kirby campus. She has organized several GSA events including Drag Days, Days Of Celebration, Days Of Mourning and many other events. All of the events were popular and well received by the student body. Lily also has experience in fundraising for GSA by taking part in bake sales. She can facilitate a fully attended meeting by keeping to task and making sure each person has a voice if they choose to be heard. Lily also does well at helping to reach a consensus in GSA meetings. She is a phenomenal dancer and often inspires the Queer youth community to attend different dance performances throughout the Santa Cruz area. Lily often performs in Santa Cruz Community events as well. Not only does Lily excel academically, but also in studio arts. She is passionate about studio arts and does very well in its study. She brings a calm and collected demeanor to anything she takes part in. She is described by her peers to “always have a smile.” Lily is truly an asset to the Queer youth community of Santa Cruz.
The Allies to Queer Youth Award
Two non-monetary awards designed to honor allies who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, or Intersexed youth and youth who have GLBTI family members.
2004 Ally to Queer Youth Award- Awardees
Craig Warren
Scotts Valley Middle School Student
Craig Warren is an accomplished student at Scotts Valley Middle School. His leadership and courageous activism at such a young age is notable and praiseworthy. Craig is a founder of the first Gay/Straight Alliance on the school’s campus. A traditionally conservative community, Craig has stepped to the front line in an effort to confront and challenge homophobia within the Scotts Valley community. He believes in testing all odds, which is why he chooses to sit and eat lunch with other students who occupy the “gay circle.” Craig has done outreach for his organization by posting posters throughout campus to inform the student body of upcoming meetings with the Scotts Valley Middle School’s GSA. He has also facilitated and organized the meetings with other fellow classmates. Craig plans to make a presentation to the 8th grade classes to inform students of resources for Queer students on campus and how important it is to fight all forms of homophobia. Craig is known as an “advocate for tolerance and understanding” of Queer rights and issues. He has demonstrated his commitment to Queer youth rights in his ability to take an initiative to make a difference on his campus. Craig is an admirable young person who has a promising future in leadership within the GLBTQ community.
Deborah Jacobson
PFLAG Santa Cruz, Chairperson
Ralph Porras
Principal, Santa Cruz High School
Ralph Porras is currently serving his second year as the principal of Santa Cruz High School. He is commended by the students for his continued support and advocacy for the Rainbow Alliance, the gay/straight alliance on campus. During his first year as principal, he went out of his way to accommodate and support the Rainbow Alliance's Peer Education Program and last year's Coming Out Day and Day of Silence. He has earned the trust of the Queer youth at Santa Cruz High particularly for his advocacy for Queer rights when an incident occurred last year in which 3 adults demanded that the Rainbow Flag be removed from the flag pole on the Day of Silence. Ralph staunchly refused such a removal of the Rainbow Flag because it would impede on the rights of the Queer students. That evening he stood before the Santa Cruz City School Board with 2 youth leaders to describe what a success the school's Day of Silence had been. This school year Ralph was valuable in efforts to train the staff in a Safe Schools training conducted by the ACLU of Northern California. The students at Santa Cruz High are fortunate to have an advocate for Queer rights like Ralph as their principal.
2004 Ally to Queer Youth Award- Nominees
Kim Busselle
Scotts Valley High School Teacher
Kim Busselle is a journalism, English and history teacher at Scotts Valley High School. Her compassion and commitment to Queer issues at her school has strengthened the student body. She has gained as much support and respect from her students as she has for them. Her dedication as an ally to making Scotts Valley High a safer place for all students is displayed in her active participation with the campus community and many school events. This includes her efforts to stop anti-Queer slurs and assisting with the struggle to bring Triangle Speakers to her campus. Kim has made her campus a safe place for all individuals. As a teacher, Kim encourages all students including gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning, to express themselves through writing regarding what is going on in their lives. She has created a secure environment in her class for all students and also brings security to all where ever she goes. She is respectful and consistent in her work and instills a sense of unity in her students. There is no doubt that Ms. Busselle has had a major influence in the growing consciousness of Scotts Valley High. She is outwardly supportive and shows her trust in the potential of community diversity.
Jane Esberg
Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School Student
Jane Esburg is a young and admired leader at Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School's Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). She has organized several events with GSA including bringing Assemblyman John Laird, former mayor of Santa Cruz, to speak at her school community. The event was very well attended. Jane has organized several Hate Crime Awareness Day events, in which both Queer youth and allies participated. This unique event consists of marching down Pacific Avenue during lunch time to either celebrate the success or remember the loss of a Queer person. When the students are approached with questions, they are able to educate and explain their activity. The opportunity for straight and Queer youth to come together around controversial issues is not found often. This event creates bridges and the opportunity to work together within the larger space of the Santa Cruz community. Jane not only promotes dialogue but practices it as a way to learn and understand our society. Her peers think that without her posing challenges such as this, students would have a harder time facing everyday struggles like coming out of the closet or expressing their true identities. Jane's leadership skills and maturity level enrich not only the Queer movement but also the greater Santa Cruz community.
Jessie Lenth
Harbor High School Student
Jessie Lenth is a 17 year old junior at Harbor High school. As an ally, her form of activism surrounding Queer issues is subtle yet has touched many people. She is a member of the Gay Straight Alliance at Harbor High as well as Friday Night Live and Youth Coalition Santa Cruz. She is quick to take every opportunity to confront her peers when she hears anti-Queer slurs. Not only is she a supportive ally but through her involvement with school activities, she creates spaces and opportunities for Queer youth to be involved and speak for themselves. She believes in self empowerment and goes out of her way to encourage her peers to use their voice. She calls attention to controversial issues, including Queer issues and asks for dialogue. Jessie’s close friends have been witness to her courageousness and leadership skills. One friend said, “She [also] stopped me from using Queer slurs.” Wherever she finds herself, Jessie always makes sure people feel safe and comfortable with themselves and the situation. Through her actions she sends a clear message that Queer issues need to be put on the table and addressed. The Queer youth community at Harbor High is proud to have her as an ally.
Veronica Niow
Proud Voices, Volunteer
Veronica Niow is a devoted and active member of Proud Voices, a local Santa Cruz Queer youth group. She is also a model example and mentor to the Transgender youth community with her openness about her sexuality and orientation. When Proud Voices was facing closure due to lack of participation from community members, she took it upon herself to do outreach for the organization. Her outreach efforts consisted of posting and passing out flyers advertising Proud Voices throughout downtown Santa Cruz. She petitioned support from the local Queer Youth Task Force to support Proud Voices. Veronica also contacted many schools throughout the County to inform them about this important support group and the resources it can provide for the Queer youth community. If it were not for Veronica’s dedication to the community, Proud Voices would not be what it is today. Not only is she described as “inspirational” for embracing her personal identity and making such an impact on her peers and Queer youth alike, Veronica is also recognized to have created “an ever-widening circle of support” for the Trans community. Her commitment and self- initiative are qualities that help to create positive change and progress not simply for the Queer community but for its youth as well.
Monica Morales
Coordinator, Gay and Proud (GAP)
Monica Morales is a Case Manager with the Santa Cruz AIDS Project. Monica is also affiliated with Salud Para La Gente in Watsonville as the Project Coordinator for the Gay And Proud (GAP) youth organization. She is described by the students as always willing to “put her hand in where ever she can.” She is more than just a mentor to the youth of Watsonville but also a role model and inspiration for them. Monica is a past recipient of the 1998 Queer Youth Leadership Award. Having received many awards throughout Santa Cruz County for her leadership and activism, Monica continues to commit herself to the rights of the local Latina/o Queer community. Presently, Monica is the Program Consultant for Triangle Speakers and is responsible for the development of a community needs assessment for the Latina/o GLBTQ community of Santa Cruz County. She is also the GLBTQ Advisory Member for the Santa Cruz Community Foundation where she participates in assessing and developing grant recommendations relating to the GLBTQ community in Santa Cruz County as well. Monica is an ambitious and driven young woman of color who continues to prove her commitment and dedication to the Latina/o Queer community in her work with youth and in her profession.
Bill Richter
School Board Member, Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School
Bill Richter is a member of the Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School Board. He is known to volunteer where needed to help create a safer place for Queer and Queer-friendly youth. For example, when he discovered that there was an opportunity to speak out on issues to school boards regarding homophobia, he volunteered as one of the first speakers to represent non-public schools. He believes it is important for Kirby Preparatory school to be known as a safe place for all students. Bill is also a strong advocate for the Kirby Gay Student Alliance (GSA). He has had a positive influence in getting young voices to take part in change at their school by being prideful of what they are accomplishing. He has often brought in articles and other media in support of Queer rights. As a Board Member of the school, Bill has been supportive of the GSA and their activities. Bill is aware of the role he has as a Board Member and makes sure he represents the community to the best of his ability. His contribution to making the Board a more representative and compassionate body is imperative to the Queer youth community at Kirby Preparatory School.
David Scott
Teacher, Watsonville High School
David Scott is a drama teacher at Watsonville High School. He has worked with students over the last four years on the annual production of "What's in a Name?" This is a theater piece designed to address homophobia and harassment on campus. "What's in a Name?" helps to normalize people with different sexual preferences and gender identities on campus. Students are also advised of the School District's anti-harassment policy, the State law (AB 537), and resources provided by the Watsonville High Equity Team. The exposure of GLBTQ issues students receive because of this production is greatly due to Mr. Scott's hard work and sacrifice. He takes his role as a teacher seriously and has high standards for his students when it comes to personal and social growth. David Scott through the production of "What's in a Name?" has helped create support and a safe space for Queer youth and allies on campus. Also, many of the Queer youth and allies at Watsonville High have been directly involved with the production of "What's in a Name?" and with many other productions David has facilitated. Students feel supported by David and see him as a friend and ally. The student body at Watsonville High is fortunate to have David as a teacher, ally and mentor.
Sarah Shane
Santa Cruz High School Student
Sarah Shane is a junior at Santa Cruz High school. She is known by her friends and community as a supportive and open-minded person. She is constantly working on improving her skills by attending leadership camps and helps plan activities for the Gay/Straight Alliance at her school. Sarah sets the example of what a committed leader is by not letting others influence her opinions when she believes they are right. Sarah holds the title and responsibilities of ID Captain for the school’s marching band and she is also treasurer of the Spanish club. Despite dedicating so much of her time and energy to extracurricular activities, Sarah successfully holds a spot in two academic honor clubs. What drives Sarah to actively participate in the Queer movement is the frustration she feels in people who do not work towards developing an open mind. Her church supports her activism work because they are open and inclusive of GLBTQ people and issues. Sarah believes in embracing our differences and in that way works towards a truly diverse community. Her calm way of speaking and lively way of thinking help her to be a well-rounded individual who benefits her community.
Note from the Judges
Why We Choose a Thid Ally: The three allies we chose support youth in different settings. School and family are the two environments where queer youth seek support. Accordingly, we selected a student ally, a parent organizer, and a school administrator
The Queer Youth Organizational Alliance Award
One non-monetary award designed to honor an organization that has made significant contributions to improving the lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, or Intersexed youth in Santa Cruz county.
2004 Organizational Alliance to Queer Youth - Awardees
Gay and Proud
Watsonville Youth Group
Gay And Proud (GAP) is a gay/straight support and social group funded by Salud Para la Gente in Watsonville. Currently the membership is at a peak with mostly Watsonville high students and some alternative school participants. For their lunch hour 20 to 25 students gather in a conference room at the clinic to "hang out" and organize activities. Lunch is provided by Salud Para la Gente. A Program Coordinator helps guide the students in organizing a variety of events. They have participated in outings to Queer related events including the Oh My! Conference in the Bay area. They are currently putting together a Queer-zine; a periodical that will include interviews, poetry and movie reviews written by GAP members. Roy Jimenez, a health research program director at the clinic, has been overseeing GAP and its growth for four years. He has witnessed the active participation of many students who would otherwise not have a safe and secure space to be themselves. Besides broadening their knowledge about Queer issues through speakers and educational forums, all youth members feel they are an important member of GAP. What began as a space for students to dialogue about anti-Queer name calling and threats has blossomed into a celebration of identity, friendships and the Queer movement.
Rainbow Alliance
Santa Cruz High School Gay/Straight Alliance
Santa Cruz High School is home to students from various racial, cultural, socioeconomic backgrounds and lifestyles. The Rainbow Alliance and the gay/straight alliance on campus has created a safe space for questioning and/or openly Queer youth. Although Santa Cruz High is a diverse campus, the struggle to receive respect for and understanding of the rights of Queer youth is a continued battle. The Rainbow Alliance has been successful with many events that promote Queer youth rights and visibility on campus. The Rainbow Alliance hosts the annual Coming Out Day and Day Of Silence. On days such as these, the Rainbow Flag is raised on the school’s flag pole to honor Queer rights and display Santa Cruz High’s solidarity with the Queer youth community. On a more personal level, the Rainbow Alliance shows movies and brings in guest speakers as a means of community building. Members of the Rainbow Alliance educate their peers about current issues involving Queer people that affect the local community and the Queer community at large. Of most significance, however, is it’s ability to make students at Santa Cruz High feel comfortable whether they identify as Queer. They provide a safe space where friendships, coalition building and awareness are fostered.
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