It was a night where faculty, staff, students and allies of the local LGBTQ+ community were honored for their exemplary work within their community.
The Rainbow P.A.W.S 2nd Annual Awards Gayla was hosted April 12 by Rainbow P.A.W.S (Pride at Work and School) in the Ceremony Room of Patriots’ Casa.
Brian Jantz, a community outreach specialist at Apollo Wellness, greeted guests. Apollo Wellness is a sexual health and wellness clinic and one of the sponsors for the evening’s event.
“We do a lot within the LGBTQ community within San Antonio,” Jantz said. “ We’re here to show that support.”
As guests entered the ceremony room, the projector shared a message of “All Are Welcome.”
The event included a catered dinner and mocktails. Friends, families and faculty members, sat together family-style and enjoyed a buffet-style dinner.
At 7 p.m. P.A.W.S. secretary and master of ceremonies Sarah Dwyer introduced the keynote speaker, honorable judge Rosie Gonzalez, who serves as a judge in County Court 13 of Bexar County.
Gonzalez practiced law for almost 17 years, becoming the only lawyer in South Texas to be certified as a child welfare specialist by the National Association of Counsel for Children. During her law career Gonzalez represented hundreds of foster children in the welfare system and mentored many attorneys who developed successful careers.
Gonzalez is also known for being Bexar County’s first openly gay Latina judge when she began serving on the bench.
Gonzalez shared an anecdote about her vibrant suit choice. She was seen wearing a matching tiger print suit for the occasion.
“I originally ordered, after Dr. Victor invited me, an expedited jaguar print suit,” Gonzalez said. “And this is what I got in the mail.”
Gonzalez walked the audience through her life story to the hardships she overcame growing up during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.
Gonzalez graduated high school at the top of her class. She was voted most likely to succeed and attended Norwich University, the country’s oldest military college in Northfield, Vermont. She was one of three Latino students on campus and worked as a translator. She was elected the youngest student government president but fell ill and could not return to school.
She transferred to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and graduated in 1986 with a pre-law political science degree. She spent her pre-law career days working with Catholic charities, communities, and schools and as a special investigator with CPS.
Gonzalez’s mother assisted her in paying for the LSAT prep and her exam. She attended St. Mary’s and was selected to be the speaker of her class when she graduated in the spring of 1999.
“I was a non-traditional graduate,” said Gonzalez “That means I wasn’t 24 or 25 when I graduated. I was 33.”
She operated her solo law practice and was then elected a county judge in 2018. It was not the first or second time Gonzalez ran but her third attempt.
“That just is a reflection of my mom’s pushing that no doesn’t really mean no,” Gonzalez said. “No means just find another way, no means just not right now, no means be patient.”
Gonzalez talked about how she learned a lot about the culture of politics while running for judge. She shared that she felt that running while being out created a larger obstacle in her election.
“I had never lived my life in a closet,” Gonzalez said. “ I had always been out, my parents had always been supportive.”
The event included announcements of this year’s award winners. Organizers also shared each winner’s reason for being selected.
The winner of the LGBTQ+ Jaguar of the Year award in the student category was Zachery Salazar. Salazar, a member of The Coalition and Psychology club, could not attend but left a call for unity to be read by the master of ceremonies.
The LGBTQ+ Jaguar of the Year award in the faculty category went to Rainbow P.A.W.S co-chairs, Sherry Patrick and Victor Gomez. Patrick and Gomez, whose efforts have deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community’s visibility on campus, were applauded for their work.
The LGBTQ+ Jaguar of the Year in the Alumni category was Rene Orozco, who continues a strong commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
The following winners are students at A&M-San Antonio.
The winner of the LGBTQ+ Jaguar Ally of the Year was Maddison Morales. According to organizers, Morales loves and appreciates the inclusivity of both the LGBTQ+ and multicultural communities.
The Harvey Milk Award winner this year was the Coalition. This on-campus organization strives for inclusivity and to create an environment where students can be themselves.
The Silvia Rivera Award winner this year was Valen Bernal-Mendoza. Mendoza loves to encourage others to be themselves and is always open about his experiences while transitioning.
The Billy Porter winner this year was Rayne Pollard, vice president of The Coalition. Pollard recently helped with planning the drag show night, where they helped with decorations and supplies.
The Jazz Jennings Award winner this year was Rosol Sherbini. Sherbini is an international student who is determined to continue his education and strive for success in the future.
The Amy Schneider Award winner was Cinthia Charissa Stagakes. Stagakes has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to her academic career at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
“This has been a great event for us and we appreciate everyone’s support,” Patrick said. “ So pat yourself on the back because it really does take all of us.”
