Prism Awards

Inside Out Youth Services is the leading nonprofit in the Tava-Kaavi (Pikes Peak) region dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA2+ young people ages 13- 24. At its community center in Colorado Springs, youth access a safer, affirming space where they can build friendships, connect with trusted adults, and find vital resources that support their well-being. Beyond the center, Inside Out offers training, advocacy, and community engagement to help create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQIA2+ youth throughout the region.

Jordan T. Garcia is the Program Director for the American Friends Service Committee's Colorado Immigrant Rights Program, where he has worked for 17 years. He facilitates Coloradans for Immigrant Rights and brings an anti-oppression lens to his leadership, rooted in Popular Education and Theater of the Oppressed. Jordan has served on multiple boards, including the Colorado Anti-Violence Program (now Survivors Organizing for Liberation), the Chinook Fund, and the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training. He also co-founded the Luz Reproductive Justice Think Tank and the Underground Syringe Exchange Denver. Originally from San Antonio and raised in Kansas City, Jordan moved to Colorado in 1998 and earned his B.A. from Colorado College.

Telluride AIDS Benefit (TAB) is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing critical support for HIV and AIDS prevention, education, and treatment. Through its iconic Telluride Fashion Week events, student-led initiatives, and year-round outreach efforts, TAB mobilizes the local and regional community to fight stigma, promote education, and fund essential services. Since its founding, TAB has raised millions of dollars for HIV-focused beneficiaries, empowering individuals, strengthening community connections, and fostering a more informed, compassionate world. TAB's work continues to support those most affected by HIV, including LGBTQIA+ communities and people living in rural areas, ensuring equitable access to care and resources.

Dr. Sean Iwamoto is a board-certified adult endocrinologist and assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center. He co-founded the UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program in 2017, providing care to transgender and gender diverse Coloradans. His research focuses on gender-affirming hormone therapy, cardiometabolic and bone health, and aging. Dr. Iwamoto has held leadership roles with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, the VA's National LGBTQ+ Health Program, and the Endocrine Society. He is a mentor and is dedicated community advocate, having served as a Trevor Project counselor and continuing to volunteer with Project Angel Heart alongside his husband, Andy.

Andrea Gibson is the Poet Laureate of Colorado and one of the most celebrated and influential spoken word poets of our time. Best known for their live performances, Gibson has changed the landscape of what it means to attend a “poetry show.” Gibson’s poems center around LGBTQ issues, gender, feminism, mental health and social justice. The winner of the first Women’s World Poetry Slam, Gibson is the author of seven award winning books and seven full length albums. Their live shows have become loving and supportive ecosystems for audiences to feel seen, heard, and held through Gibson’s art. Find Andrea online at andreagibson.org.

A Diné scholar born and raised within the Navajo Nation, charlie amáyá scott (they / her) is dedicated to inspiring joy and justice through her community and social media. Their scholarship and writings are imbued with a desire for a more just and liberating education that supports and cultivates the next generation of Queer, Trans, and Indigenous brilliance. In addition, Charlie reflects, analyzes, and celebrates what it means to be Diné, Queer, and Trans in the 21st century on her personal blog, dineaesthetics.com, and celebrates her entirety on Instagram and TikTok at @dineaesthetics.

Jesse Daniels is an entrepreneur, activist, and community leader in Western Colorado. With more than 26 years of experience, he describes his professional life as ‘The Nightlife & Entertainment Industry.’ Jesse, his mother & sister attended the 1st annual Moab Pride Festival in 2011 which led to many conversations over subsequent months starting with, “If Moab can have a Parade & Festival,…”! Jesse co-founded Colorado West Pride Fest in 2012 and remained Event Director until 2022. In 2023, Jesse saw an opportunity to create a queer space in Western Colorado, and Good Judy’s Bar & Night Club was born.

Parasol Patrol's mission is clear: to shield LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC children and youth from the distressing elements of protest environments. The Parasol Patrol was formed out of a need to protect our children's eyes and ears from the hateful speech of protestors. With a mighty team of volunteers and umbrellas as their emblem of peace, Parasol Patrol is an initiative driven by compassion and action. Parasol Patrol also offers training and education about hate groups, safety, and youth trafficking. Visit parasolpatrol.org to join their mission.