Through its quarterly Rainbow Key Awards, West Hollywood is poised to recognize notable contributions to the LGBTQ+ area. Established in 1993, these prizes acknowledge excellent individuals and groups whose efforts have significantly impacted the local and global LGBTQ+ communities across different sectors, including the arts, group activity, charitable efforts, and more.
The LGBTQ+ Commission in the city received 32 nominations between December 1st, 2023, and January 31st, 2024, for the 2024 prize pattern. After a screening process, 23 candidates were deemed qualified for consideration. These nominations represent a broad range of accomplishments and have been instrumental in advancing the awareness and privileges of LGBTQ+ people.
The Commission will consider and make its recommendations for up to five honorees before being presented to the City Council for final choice. Moreover, a new committee will be formed to plan and execute the 2024 Rainbow Key Awards Ceremony.
The eligible nominees are listed below, along with passages from their proposals.
Amber Crane — She has been an audience favorite for Drag Story Hour, a performer for various shows throughout West Hollywood, and a source of inspiration for up-and-coming artists. Please describe the impact and context of this nominee’s efforts. In the town of West Hollywood, Amber Crane has been a pillar of artistic quality, cultural superiority, and creative joy. She has touched people’s lives not only in the clubs and venues where she delivers captivating performances but also in the community where she engages with younger people and families through Drag Story Hour. Amber sets a high standard for professionalism and creative expression, inspiring up-and-coming artists, especially in the BIPOC trans community, and providing audience members with a warm and lively environment wherever she performs. — Pickle
Andrew Campbell — Andrew Campbell worked for the City of West Hollywood for thirteen years from 2007 to 2020. The City’s Arts Division and robust arts program owe much to Andrew. He curated the City’s One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival programming from 2008 to 2013 and played a pivotal role in the Tacoma Art Museum’s 2015 Art AIDS America preview exhibition. Additionally, he oversaw the City’s Public Art program until 2015, spearheaded the development of its Cultural Plan in 2017, and conceived the immersive Senor Plummer’s Final Fiesta theatre production (the City received an NEA grant for this production). The Neon Diver was acquired by the City during his tenure and now adorns the West Hollywood Aquatic and Rec Center, serving as a recognizable landmark of WeHo. Moreover, by recommending the subject to his friend who is a playwright, he played a key role in the development of a play about the life of famous LGBTQ activist Ivy Bottini. — Mike Che
Andrew Fox and Joey Bachrach — The nominees have opened the first fully LGBTQ sober living and treatment center, 100% staffed with LGBTQIA+, providing care that affirms gender for the trans community. Rainbow Hill Recovery and Rainbow Hill Sober Living exemplify a forward-thinking approach to addiction recovery, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and tailored care for the LGBTQ+ community. These facilities serve as a model for creating environments where people can achieve lasting sobriety while embracing their authentic identities by offering a continuum of care that addresses the unique needs of gay, bi, and trans men. Rainbow Hill is not only transforming lives but also contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate future for the field of addiction recovery. — Lisi Linares
Brian Risley — Brian Risley has been in charge of the HIV programs at APLA Health and Men’s Healthcare Foundation since 2002. He is a leader in the space nationally, helming conferences and connecting thousands with care, particularly older adults through the HIVE Program. He holds monthly gatherings for clients at Fiesta Hall on Thursdays, and as a result, I’ve gotten to know him in my role as WeHo Poet Laureate, where we collaborated to revive the APLA Writers Group, which was established in 1989 (and, fun fact, published former councilmember John D’Amico before he was a WeHo councilmember). — Brian Sonia Wallace
Brian Sonia-Wallace — Brian founded the band of LGBTQ+ typewriter poets in 2019, “Pride Poets,” and this has served WeHo Pride and various other WeHo-based activities ever since. By producing Pride Poets, Brian has provided thousands of WeHo Pride attendees and WeHo Arts audiences with a souvenir that will help them bring back fond memories from a West Hollywood event. — Jen Cheng
With an emphasis on LGBTQ artists, Chris Isaacson of Chris Isaacson Presents, LLC has worked with many of the most influential stars of this generation, including Grammy, Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning musicians, actors, and recording artists. He works with an emphasis on their stories, journeys, and struggles, from small clubs to major theaters. Highlights include coordinating and producing elaborate premiere celebrations for Emmy Award-winning series POSE (FX Networks) starring Billy Porter, Janet Mock, and Our Lady J, Emmy Award-winning series Feud: Bette & Joan (FX Networks) starring Susan Sarandon, co-produced the Grammy Award-nominated “Considering Matthew Shepard” at Ford Theatres (earning CIP a proclamation from the City of West Hollywood) with guest hosts Tim Bagley, Candis Cayne, & Joely Fisher with guest performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, producing the West Coast charitable event GAIN: Brighter Futures starring Alisan Porter (winner of NBC’s The Voice) for Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, high-flying events for LA Pride, Rolling Stone, The Grove LA, and Americana at Brand, serving as Producer on the critically acclaimed feature documentary Studio One Forever directed by Marc Saltarelli starring Thelma Houston, Chita Rivera, Melissa Rivers, Lance Bass, and Bruce Vilanch most recently, working with Dick and Arlene van Dyke on “Dick van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic” for CBS Television. — Craig Kenkel
Christopher Sibley — Mr. Sibley assists in the execution of the creative vision for each client and in the development of creative concepts for press and consumer use. He’s secured major national media placements at ABC’s “Good Morning America,” CNN, HLN, New York Post, AP News, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Washington Post, USA Today, and NPR. Additionally, he has spearheaded numerous campaigns, including ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards at the London West Hollywood Hotel and premiere events in West Hollywood at the Pacific Design Center for FOX Broadcasting Company (SnowFall), FX (Shots Fired), and Bounce TV’s “Trumpet Awards.” From those events alone, he has brought thousands of dollars to the West Hollywood community. Christopher Sibley has over two decades of experience in Public Relations and Media. He served as the account manager for Bounce TV (Trumpet Awards, Johnson, Finding Happy, Act Your Age, Saints & Sinners, In The Cut, Family Time), one of the most well-known LGBTQ African American marketing and public relations firms, One/35 Agency. — Tayon Bell
Cody Masters, publisher of Los Angeles Blade, and the dog of recent Rainbow Key Award recipient Troy Masters, is known as Cody Masters. Most media follows him on Twitter at @troymasters. — Troy D. Masters
Cory Cantaloupi — When Cory was formerly a property manager,
he provided good homes for renters when the management company is your typical anonymous company who might ignore our needs. He’s currently working at Tailwaggers on Fairfax, where he shows great love and care for our dogs and other animals. So many of us LGBTQ renters might find it hard to find an apartment or know our tenant rights. There are so many of us LGBTQ community members who own animals. Cory is a gay sweetheart who helps everyone out. Cory is an example of a humble person who doesn’t want to be in the spotlight but deserves recognition for all his kindness to West Hollywood residents and pet owners for so many years. Cory is an “everyday hero,” someone who generously goes above and beyond his responsibilities to assist us. — Jen Cheng
Daniel Franzese — Daniel can’t walk the streets of West Hollywood without someone approaching him to express how much Damian from Mean Girls (2003) or Eddie, a character with HIV, from HBO’s Looking meant to them. You can often find him sharing his gift to make people feel at ease and laugh at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood. Daniel’s character Eddie from HBO’s Looking was one of the first openly HIV positive characters on TV, but it almost didn’t happen. The show’s director was persuaded to let him bring this desperately needed representation to life in a letter he wrote to him. I’ve witnessed people tell Danny how much that character has meant to them, not just around the world, but especially in West Hollywood. Some people claim that the representation saved their lives. Danny has brought so much joy to West Hollywood through his comedy and well-known characters in film and TV. Try to walk the WeHo Halloween party and not see someone dressed as Damian from Mean Girls. We are all delighted by his work. I feel he deserves to be recognized for that. — Azariah Southworth
Dapper Dyke Vivian (Escalante) — In 1994, Dapper Dyke Vivian was the driving force of the Dyke March in West Hollywood, establishing Dykes on Bikes, when lesbian/dyke visibility was scarce. With Vivian leading the way, they were determined to take over the streets of WeHo to promote Lesbian visibility and return Dykes on Bikes to leading the March. As they marched, they chanted, played drums, and held up signs while the Dykes on Bikes would clear the path for marchers. Despite the sheriff’s attempts to stop the march from moving forward, the Dykes on Bikes revved their engines, bringing traffic to a complete halt and drawing cheers from the spectators who joined their mission to be seen. At the time, I covered the story for the Lesbian News. This was a significant achievement as the Dykes on Bikes had been banned from participating in any parade in WeHo since 1988. Vivian ensured that such a ban would never happen again under her watch and created the largest grassroots Dyke on Bike motorcycle contingent in both the WeHo Gay Pride Parade and the Long Beach Gay Pride Parade. Vivian also plays a key role in the San Diego Dykes on Bikes during their Gay Pride Parade by ensuring that they were protected from motorcycle helmets. Vivian was well-versed in the laws and regulations that gave them the freedom to ride safely and proudly. In 1998, she organized the first-ever Women Motorcyclists in Southern California by uniting all female motorcyclists who traveled on weekends. — MJ Godges
David Roman — David Roman, a Latino author writing on AIDS and performance since the early 1990s. His award-winning books have had a significant influence on culture. Roman has written books that are standouts to people in the communities they represent. He is the author of The (Taylor) Mack Book, The (Taylor) Mack Book, and the seminal Performance in America, which was published by Duke University Press, O Solo Homo: The New Queer Performance, published by Grove, and which was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award. His written work has been focused on the LGBTQ experience, the impact of AIDS, and David’s commitment to anti-racism and pro-diversity extends beyond the literature and academic spheres. He has served on multiple theatre and community non-profit boards, advocating for the arts, particularly the works of underrepresented and marginalized communities. He worked closely with the Latino Theatre Initiative as the Scholar in Residence for many years at the Los Angeles Mark Taper Forum. Additionally, in 2021, he joined the Board of Directors of Labyrinth Theatre in New York City, becoming the first scholar invited to serve on the board in their near thirty-year history. He studied under poet and memoirist Paul Monette, a previous WeHo resident. Roman works as a Professor in the Department of English and the Department of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California, has devoted his career to the diversification of the profession on several fronts. As a scholar, he has worked tirelessly to diversify his two primary scholarly fields: theatre and performance studies and American studies broadly conceived. — Steven Reigns
Donald “Daddy Don” Anspauch, Jr. — Donald “Daddy Don” Anspauch, Jr. is licensed by the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent, #93602. Don has worked in the Los Angeles area for 27 years and has knowledge and insight for both the entertainment industry and for those working in front of and behind the camera. Extensive financial management and planning experience to file accurate and concise tax returns, not paying a dollar more than what you truthfully owe Uncle Sam or other taxing authorities. Established procedures, knowledge of tax issues, rapid response to questions with solutions, and a concerted reliability of service is our best asset. For 27 years, Donald “Daddy Don” Anspauch, Jr. has focused his efforts on the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and continues to do so to keep the LGBTQ citizens in this town financially sound. — Brett Jeffreys
Dr. Rebecca Gitlin – Dr. Rebecca Gitlin is a tireless advocate for the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Los Angeles County. She has led the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health efforts to ensure that both identity and gender-affirming services are included across all clinical assessments within the Department of Mental Health both directly operated and contract providers, and ensure that the Department of Mental Health has a presence in the LGBTQIA2S+ community across the county. Because of the work of Dr. Gitlin, she is insured that there is a voice for this community in every clinical space that is served by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She organizes frequent consultations that are open to all members of the service delivery team in order to provide residents with services that affirm gender and identity. Dr. Gitlin is a founding member of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Anti-Racism Diversity and Inclusion Staff Advisory Council. – James Coomes
Gregorio Davila, Director, Mario J. Novoa, Producer — As a director and producer, Davila and Novoa made the films: LA: A Queer History and UNIDAD: Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos. Both of these films have brought to light important histories. The community is seeing these significant queer stories from our recent past, which helped usher in the freedoms we are currently enjoying through the making of these two movies, which are now available for streaming on PBS after running the film festival circuit. Although the two films celebrate our victories, they are also a reminder that we must remain vigilant against anyone who would attempt to take away our hard-fought victories for freedom and equality. – Louis Jacinto
Handle with Care — Handle with Care is an amazing organization run by some amazing members of the LGBTQ community located right here in West Hollywood. Providing care kits for the most vulnerable members of our community, those experiencing homelessness. They take some time out of their already busy lives to help our neighborhood. Please describe the impact and the mission of Handle With Care (HWC) is to help people who are experiencing homelessness with their daily needs while also acting as a bridge to other services and opportunities to improve their lives. – Luke Renfro
Hera Anderson — Hera Anderson Show on YouTube The impact and scope of Hera Anderson’s contributions through the Hera Anderson Show are commendable. By inviting LGBTQIA talents as guests and promoting their work, she is providing a platform for their voices to be heard and celebrated. This promotes inclusivity and acceptance as well as raising awareness about the community’s experiences and challenges. Through her show, Hera is empowering LGBTQIA individuals and making a positive impact on their lives. Her efforts help to promote a more diverse and equal society.
Jackie Beat — Drag superstar JACKIE BEAT has been entertaining audiences across the U.S. and in Europe for over THIRTY FIVE YEARS with her razor-sharp comedy and hysterical song parodies. Jackie not only warps hits by Britney Spears, Madonna, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Cher, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, and many others, but she flawlessly sings her twisted new versions LIVE hitting every last note. Her hilarious music videos on YouTube have received a lot of positive reviews and millions of views. Her one-woman show “Jackie Beat Is A Whole Lotta ‘ Love” ran a record 18 months at NYC’s premiere cabaret, Fez, and she returns to The Big Apple every year with her award-winning, standing-room-only holiday show as part of her SOLD OUT national holiday tour. Jackie’s stand-up has been broadcast on Comedy Central, VH1, and MTV, as well as in comedy clubs across the nation. Her scathing song parodies have been featured on America’s Top Forty with Ryan Seacrest, The Howard Stern Show, Much Music TV, Yo on E! and PerezHilton.com. She has appeared on numerous TV programs, including “Sex and the City” and in several films, including “Flawless” with Robert De Niro,” Wigstock The Movie,” and “Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Cleaver,” a camp cult favorite. — Chris Isaacson
Jake Stevens served as the deputy to Jeffrey Prang, the mayor of West Hollywood, and he helped pass first-in-the-country laws supporting transgender people and pass a groundbreaking ban on the sale of puppy mill dogs. Today, Jake works as the Vice President of FARING, a progressive, privately held real estate development firm that was homegrown in WeHo on Robertson Boulevard. In this role, Jake led the Cultural Landmark Designation efforts for two LGBTQ+ properties in West Hollywood, the French Market Building on Santa Monica Boulevard ( home to groundbreaking AIDS activism and the first LGBT Political Action Committee ) and Studio One Disco/Mitchell Motion Picture Camera Factory Building. Jake made sure these two iconic structures would be designated as historic assets that would be preserved for the enjoyment of future queer generations. Jake has also contributed to the well-being of WeHo residents in his capacity as Vice President of the California State New Motor Vehicle Board ( twice appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom ), where he created a new Committee on Equity, Justice and Inclusion to both highlight efforts to grow diversity and access in the new motor vehicle sales industry and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ communities in the transition to a zero-emission vehicle future. In Los Angeles, Jake has convened and hosted numerous LGBTQ+ Victory Fund events to support various candidates running in West Hollywood and beyond. Jake’s contributions are local, statewide, and national. He has secured the future of LGBTQ+ landmarks through voluntary historic monument designations and added the Factory to the National Register of Historic Places. He served on the board of a regional organization that established the country’s first publicly funded AIDS monument for more than six years. – Thadeus Dowad
There has probably never been a stronger voice for the LGBTQ community in WeHo or anywhere else than Lisa Vanderpump, who has arguably been the voice of the LGBTQ community over the past ten years. On a daily basis, she contributes to the City of West Hollywood as an equal opportunity employer, making sure her restaurants are staffed with those who are LGBTQ plus and those who embrace them. It has been well documented that Lisa Vanderpump is a fierce advocate for the Community, but what you may not know is that it truly is her passion. She has won the title of Queen of Pride from Palm Springs to Long Beach to New Orleans. She has filmed a PSA about suicide prevention for The Trevor Project and has been the recipient of the Ally Leadership Award from Equality California. Lisa has frequently covered West Hollywood Pride events on her hit TV shows, including those that brought a depressed community together in the hours following the Orlando Pulse Nightclub massacre. Lisa has been standing up for the LGBTQ Community for decades, and I could not be more proud of her for taking up some tough issues and not fearing the consequences for doing what is right. I think the time is right to honor Lisa Vanderpump and the culmination of a career dedicated to the LGBTQ Community and West Hollywood, a city she has long adored and endorsed. – Robert Kovacik
LZ Love — LZ Love is an elder African American transwoman and a native of Chicago. She is a well-known songwriter, singer, performer, and recording artist of gutbucket soul-stirring blues and blues-saturated gospel and dance music. She’s performed on stages worldwide for four decades, from Tokyo, Japan, London, England, Germany, Paris, France, Switzerland, and Croatia. LZ recently performed live in Austin, Texas, and acted in a web series, Glasscock Park. She is also a prolific nonfiction author. Her art, entertainment, and message of love and acceptance are for everyone, especially the LGBTQ community and those mistreated, abused, shunned, and abandoned. She uses her songwriting and music to influence change on a global scale. LZ has made major strides in the entertainment industry. She has used those abilities to uplift the community of West Hollywood for over a decade on multiple occasions. LZ has made the most of her talents to honor the lives of Trans people who have been prematurely murdered as a result of racism and prejudice against them. Each November is Trans Awareness Week, and a Trans Day of Remembrance vigil occurs at the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. LZ has consistently made a positive impact on the occasion, utilizing her musical skills frequently and producing her own original compositions. LZ has also paid tribute to the late, great Sylvester with her remarkable rendition of “You Make Me Feel” (Mighty Real). — Jazzmun Crayton
Marc Saltarelli, an outspoken gay filmmaker, spent several years developing the feature film “Studio One Forever,” which documents the origins of West Hollywood’s first gay disco, “Studio One,” and its adjacent Backlot Cabaret, which ran for 23 years from the 1970s to the 1990s. In doing so, he also captures the gay history of those years from the decadent queer nightlife of the 70s and the beginning of the gay rights movement, to the AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s, when more than 10,000 West Hollywood residents died. Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Kirk Douglas, Roger Moore, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Shelley Winters, Rock Hudson, Eartha Kitt, Chita Rivera, Bernadette Peters, Anita O’Day, Carmen McRae, and Joan Rivers all mingled unfiltered with the gay crowd at its Backlot Cabaret. Since premiering at Outfest in August of 2023, the film has been a surprise hit at major film festivals throughout the country, as well as Europe. It has won several awards, including “Best of Fest” at the Palm Springs International Festival, Jury Award nominee Best Documentary at the Austin Film Festival, Winner Best Documentary at South Out Queer Film Festival, Winner Best Documentary Feature at Out at the Movies International Film Festival, Winner Freedom Award at Film Out San Diego Festival, Winner Best Documentary Editing at QFest Long Beach, AARP Silver Image Award nominee, Reeling 2023 Chicago LGBTQ International Film Festival, Winner Audience Choice Award OutReels, Cincinnati Festival. For the younger queer generations, the “Crucial…required viewing.” — Alan Eichler
Robert Gamboa served for LGAB for nearly ten years while completing his Masters’ degree internship there. Lori Jean, the retired CEO of the LGBT Center, is now the director. Is an original co-founder of Boom and Sizzle, the two most successful sober events that the city has. Plays sax in the LGBTQ freedom band. Has worked tirelessly with The Tweakers Project for more than ten years, distributing tens of thousands of pieces of LGBTQ literature on recovery and a city-wide program. Has with The Tweakers Project distributed more than a million condoms and safer sex kits. Has been a pillar of the sober community for more than ten years, helping to sponsor people and assist many in navigating a confusing web of paperwork to get a bed in recovery services. Robert’s impact is beyond measure. With assisting more than 300 LGBTQ folks into rehab/recovery services. Personally visiting bars, baths, and WeHo businesses to offer information on meth recovery services, HIV prevention, and programming for LGBTQ social and assistance programs. I could go on and on and have yet to even discuss his job at the lalgbt center where he works on and helps promote legislation for the LGBTQ community. One of the most generous and open-minded men I’ve met is Robert. I’m honored to call him my friend and brother. — Jimmy Palmieri
