Ally to Queer Youth Award 2009 Awardee
Lex Beatty
Spoken Word Artist, Local Activist
Lex Beatty’s outspoken activism stems from her belief that by being true to ourselves we can create immense positive change. Personally, Lex makes this change real as a transgender and queer activist by speaking eloquently as a spoken word artist and Triangle Speaker. Lex’s poems come straight from the heart, discussing the very personal issues of identity, transition and hate crime. LGBTIQ youth connect with Lex immediately, seeing a role model who has become stronger even after dealing with much hardship. Recently, Lex organized an event called “Sustainable Legacies” which worked to create forms of activism that were creative, personal and sustainable. After breaking the silence which accompanied being a survivor of hate crime, Lex has taken the shame and hurt from a painful experience and waged peace and possibility through creative resistance. Lex was also involved in the Community Television sponsored event “Erasing Hate” aimed at bringing attention to Proposition 8 as well as remembering Matthew Shepard’s legacy. Currently, Lex is working with Coaction, a local antiracist organization, to help create curriculum and to work on the film “Shades of Youth” which will support youth in critical thinking and creative resistance to the multiple forms of oppression that they face.
Ally to Queer Youth Award 2009 Nominees
Angie and Sylvia Mejia
Parents of a Mission Hill Middle School Student
Married couple Angie and Sylvia Mejia are exceptional allies to queer youth. Beyond volunteering for Watsonville’s First Gay Pride, being queer role models as parents to over 50 foster youth and phone banking against Proposition 8, they have become vocal, strategic and passionate advocates for Angel, their gay son. After hearing that Angel, a sixth grader at Mission Hill Middle School, was facing homophobic harassment, they took a stand against all forms of bullying. They reached out to the Safe Schools Project and Triangle Speakers, engaging the administration in conversations with the organizations that improve the lives of LGBTIQ youth. Because of their work, the administration is working to make their school safer. Triangle Speakers was invited to present, and conversations have begun about establishing a GSA. Their persistence with the administration took real courage and strength. Angel’s previous school had ignored his bullying, even when he was the victim of hate and was severely beaten up because of his perceived sexual orientation. Their work is more than just about their son, as they want all students to feel safe on campus.
Vanessa Wilson
STRANGE Program Coordinator
Vanessa Wilson connects with the LGBTIQ youth of Santa Cruz County in a way that most others cannot. As the coordinator of STRANGE, a youth driven program for LGBTIQ youth that provides supportive, educational and social activities, Vanessa works with youth across the county and brings them together to connect, socialize and get involved. Each week, she runs a STRANGE meeting with about fifteen LGBTIQ youth, creating a safe, welcoming and fun space where youth are free to be themselves. Vanessa also provides rides for youth to local and state wide activities, including LGBTIQ conferences, dances, social and political events. Vanessa also helps out with Friday Night Live, a drug and alcohol prevention program specifically for LGBTIQ youth and the California Youth Connection, a foster care program in Santa Cruz County. Even when Vanessa has a lot on her plate, she is able to make time for the needs of LGBTIQ youth, always being supportive, positive and helpful as they face tough issues at school or in their homes. Because of Vanessa, the LGBTIQ youth of Santa Cruz County know they have someone who will always be there for them when they are in need.
Nikira Hernandez
Queer Youth Scene Program Coordinator
Nikira Hernandez, a Queer Youth Leadership Award awardee in 2002, has retuned to the Santa Cruz community with new perspectives and an unwavering spirit. As the Queer Youth Coordinator at the Diversity Center, Nikira planned the 2009 Queers Rule! Allies Rock! Conference this Spring. The conference brought together youth from Santa Cruz County and beyond to create a cohesive social community where LGBTIQ youth and their allies learned from each other how to grow as leaders. Nikira knows that doing LGBTIQ activism means reaching out to everyone, as we are all affected by homophobia and transphobia in various ways. She is very attentive to the multiple issues that LGBTIQ youth face, never assuming anyone’s preferred gender pronoun and making sure that the conference addressed the issues of gender, sexual orientation, racism and classism. Nikira is a role model for the youth she works with, showing compassion, love and understanding to everyone. Since returning to Santa Cruz, Nikira has demonstrated her commitment and passion, prioritizing students’ interests and needs and making them feel comfortable with who they are as individuals.
Aimee Mangan
Friday Nigh Live Program Coordinator
Aimee Mangan works hands on with youth and staff at the YWCA in Watsonville and at STRANGE to support LGBTIQ youth to build their skills and help them identify and develop strategies to address the social issues that impact them. Her passion, integrity and commitment supports these youth in their role as active leaders within the community. Aimee actively assisted in the creation, coordination and organization of the Santa Cruz County Friday Night Live Partnership’s first LGBTIQ chapter, helping LGBTIQ youth with issues surrounding alcohol, drug and violence prevention. By using the activities in the Friday Night Live Chapter Action Guide, Aimee has supported youth leaders (aka “facilitators”) in guiding fellow group members through interactive exercises that developed their leadership, facilitation, decision making, evaluation, community assessment, problem solving and program development and implementation skills. She regularly attends STRANGE meetings and is a resource and ally for all members. Aimee’s kind heart and warm spirit are instrumental to the effectiveness of her work. Aimee has increased the visibility of LGBTIQ people by integrating the youth into countywide opportunities, using multiple venues to do outreach, and creating procedures and awareness to increase cultural competency within the County Alcohol and Drug Program.
Brandon Balzer-Carr
University of California, Santa Cruz
Brandon Balzer-Carr is dedicated to encouraging queer youth to explore the vast opportunities that shape their future. In March, Brandon organized the Queer Youth College Night at UCSC, a program that brought local youth up to the college campus for discussions about being LGBTIQ in college. The event outreached to LGBTIQ youth, youth of color, first generation college applicants and foster youth, providing details about how to get into college and the possibilities of financial aid. Brandon also provided a guided tour of UCSC highlighting the queer friendly spaces on campus. Brandon believes that it is important to give queer youth encouragement to go to college because many times they do not consider higher education due to the isolation they experienced in school. He organized the event as a way to get LTBIQ youth actively involved with their future in a way that was supportive and loving. The event was a huge success due to Brandon’s creativity, dedication, and heart. Brandon came up with the idea for the College Night while working as a Youth Advocate Volunteer with the Walnut Ave. Women’s Center, where he completed the Youth Advocacy Training. All around, Brandon is committed to making life easier for LGBTIQ youth.
Jacque Simmons
Watsonville High School
Jacque Simmons is an energetic and highly visible activist at her school and in her community. Jacque’s talents span from her activist work as the co-president of the Watsonville High School Gay Straight Alliance to her love of video. Over the summer, she filmed the first annual Watsonville Pride Parade and created a documentary which has won numerous awards and has been broadcast on her school’s video news channel. The video was also shown during the production of “What’s In a Name?” an educational play put on by Watsonville High School. Pursuing her passion for video, she has volunteered, interned and anchored for the video academy at Watsonville High School. Jacque’s videos are an important tool that inspire her viewers to think critically about their personal views. Jacque also makes LGBTIQ issues visible as an Associated Student Body Officer and as the Homecoming Queen. As the GSA co-president, Jacque organizes fundraisers, movie nights and a valentines day “Love Who You Want” party. Aside from being a talented actress, video producer, AP student and community organizer, Jacque creates a safe space on campus by being a responsible, approachable and dedicated leader.
Jesse Simmons
Watsonville High School
Jesse Simmons is a lively member of Watsonville High School’s Gay Straight Alliance. She attends meetings regularly, making sure that everyone is supported and welcomed. With the help of Jacque Simmons, her twin sister, she produced a video documentary about the first annual Watsonville Pride Parade. The film interviews parents, community members and the organizers of the event to discuss the importance of having a Pride Parade in Watsonville’s plaza. The video has been shown on Watsonville High School’s student run news station, KATZ news, as well as being featured at the California State University of Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Film Festivals. “What’s in a Name” a play directed at reducing homophobia on campus, has also screened the video. As a talented actress, Jesse has starred in a number of plays on campus, including “What’s in a Name.” She brings her unwavering passion to the stage and to her work to create a safer school and community environment for LGBTIQ youth. Beyond creating a resource for her school and her community, Jesse is a resource for LGBTIQ youth when they need a friend to talk to. Jesse’s kind heart and openness with her peers allows them to feel safe with her.
Joseph De la Pena and Willie Brooks
Aptos Junior High School (Nominated Jointly)
Willie Brooks and Joseph De la Pena have been committed members of the Aptos Junior High School Gay Straight Alliance for two years. This year, they serve as the President and Vice-President, respectively, of the group. They are steadfast students who have made it their responsibility to confront their peers who use homophobic slurs on campus. Willie and Joseph are welcoming to all students at Aptos Junior and have been instrumental in creating a friendly atmosphere at the Gay Straight Alliance meetings. Each of them brings a large group of friends to every meeting, creating a club of around fifteen students who are energetic and focused. After joining the Gay Straight Alliance in seventh grade, they have provided long term institutional continuity to the group, following up from the activities of the previous year. When school began in the Fall, they recognized the need for the continuation of the GSA and promptly volunteered to be GSA officers. They do not hesitate or waver in their support of equality and safety for all students. Willie and Joseph lead the GSA because they want to work to end all forms of bullying and name calling on their campus.
Brandon Ancira
Watsonville High School
Brandon Ancira is a truly supportive ally to the LGBTIQ community. When his best friend came out to him as bisexual, he was immediately supportive, standing up not just for his friend, but for everyone who gets picked on and harassed. Brandon recognizes that by stopping all slurs he is defending the out LGBITQ students as well as those students who are too afraid to come out or are the victims of harassment based on perceived identity. Because of his deep compassion and loving spirit, several people have come out to him, confiding in a friend they know will be open and ready to listen. Brandon is an active member of Watsonville High School’s Gay Straight Alliance, participating in every meeting and always adding to the fun and welcoming spirit of the club. Continuing his passion for LGBITQ rights, Brandon plans to take advanced drama so he can participate in the annual production of “What’s In a Name.” Whether in GSA, in class or in the halls, Brandon is a role model to his peers, friends and teachers.
Jessica Godinez
Pajaro Valley High School
Jessica Godinez is a friend and ally to the LGBTIQ students at Pajaro Valley High School. She regularly attends the Gay Straight Alliance and is an active member. Her bright smile and active personality brings energy and spirit to the club, encouraging more people to get involved. Whenever Jessica hears slurs such as “That’s so gay!” she confronts her peers and tells them not to use such homophobic language. Her courage to stand up to her peers inspires the LGBTIQ students, letting them know that there are people on campus who value them. Outside of school, Jessica regularly attends county wide pride festivals and other LGBTIQ events. This year, she helped out by volunteering for the First Annual Watsonville Gay Pride Parade and Festival. Where ever Jessica goes, she brings a loving perspective and a welcoming heart.