October is LGBT History Month, when we recognize the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have made to our culture and society. The celebration features the annual Her/History Rubi Awards, presented on Wednesday, October 21, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. This year, the Rubi’s are being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rubi Awards is a way of encouraging recognition and support for those who have been historically marginalized. The Awards are named for Dayton’s own Rubi Girls, who serve as an example of community engagement and leadership in the fight to end the negative effects of stigma and discrimination in the LGBT community. Stigma and discrimination often lead to a whole host of physical and mental health issues for LGBT individuals.
The first Rubi Awards took place in 2019, as part of a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York City. The Rubi’s honor the work of Miami Valley people and organizations that pioneered community leadership, equality and recognition of the local LGBT community. The 2020 Rubi Awards will honor 14 Greater Dayton LGBTQ and ally people and organizations who have been historic trailblazers for equality. Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley will also be sharing her thoughts during the event.
“Even though the Rubi Awards will be virtual this year, it’s still an exciting and fun time honoring the great work of individuals and organizations that helped to move Dayton’s LGBT community forward.”
Honorees include, Miami Valley natives, the “Godfather of Modern Gay Fiction” author Victor Banis Jr, and a former New York Metropolitan Opera choreographer and ballet dancer Stuart Sebastian. Also, being honored are, ally Cassie Barlow, who is a retired Colonel and Base Commander for the 88th Air Wing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and Darryl Demure who is the host and producer of the longest running LGBT-themed TV talk show in the U.S. on local cable channel DATV. In addition, the event will feature a special virtual appearance from former South Bend, IN mayor and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, who made history as the first openly gay man to win a presidential primary when he won the Iowa caucuses.
To see the Rubi Awards live, visit https://tinyurl.com/y488ldms
or go to rainboweldercare.org. Attendees can order a takeaway dinner selection from Wheat Penny on Wayne Avenue prior to the awards and then enjoy the show in the safety and comfort of their own homes – a historic sign of the times during the pandemic in its own right.
In addition to Rainbow Elder Care, the Rubi Awards are sponsored by Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County, Equitas Health, The Greater Dayton LGBT Center, The Hale Group at Morgan Stanley, and PFLAG of Dayton.
