Sheriff Margo Frasier will be singled out Saturday night — and she’s just grateful it won’t be for overpopulated jail cells, her biggest headache of late. Instead, Frasier will be one of three honorees at the black-tie dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, an annual fundraiser that mixes posh with politics.
The HRC’s local gay and lesbian membership holds its yearly dress-up affair to bestow Equality Awards on Austin-area leaders and organizations for their contributions to the community. In addition to Frasier, the HRC will recognize longtime activist Allan Baker, co-chair of the Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus and board member of the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby of Texas, and AIDS Services of Austin, which will get an award for organizational leadership. Last year’s recipients included outgoing State Rep. Glen Maxey, Out Youth Austin, and the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival. “These awards recognize that progress comes only when individuals and organizations are willing to actively work for the freedoms so many take for granted,” said John Boardman, co-chair of the HRC committee organizing the event.
This year’s keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Mel White, who came out of the closet 10 years ago after 30 years as an evangelical Christian minister and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. White is the founder of Soulforce, a faith-based group that works to confront anti-gay rhetoric. State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, who co-authored the hate crimes bill signed into law last year, will also attend as a special guest.
Saturday’s event will be at the Four Seasons Hotel. A VIP reception, 6:30-7:30pm, will precede the dinner. Get more info at www.hrcaustin.org, or call John Boardman at 459-7751.
This article appears in March 15 • 2002.
