Meet Our Honorees

Meet the 23rd Annual Community Health Award honorees! The Community Health Awards is Callen-Lorde’s annual gala held in support of our mission. This year’s theme is Empowering Health, Enriching Lives, and it is in that spirit that we will honor the leaders, trailblazers, and visionaries in LGBTQ+ health and wellness whose shoulders we stand on, while celebrating Callen-Lorde’s unwavering role in our communities.

This year, we are proud to bestow honors upon:

As a senior advisor to Commissioner Manfred, Billy Bean spearheads DE&I, player education, and social justice initiatives. He played in the Major Leagues from 1987-1995, setting records with the Detroit Tigers and later playing for the Dodgers and Padres. A two-time “All-America” outfielder at Loyola Marymount University, Bean graduated with a Business Administration degree. In 2014, he became MLB’s inaugural Ambassador for Inclusion.

Bean chairs the MLB Owners’ DE&I Committee, key in developing MLB’s bullying prevention and ‘Ahead in the Count’ player education programs, while increasing visibility for mental wellness resources. An author of “Going the Other Way,” Bean is a celebrated figure in MLB’s diversity and inclusion efforts.

Dominique Jackson is a celebrated model, actress, and author. Her portrayal of Elektra in the groundbreaking series POSE for FX catapulted her to stardom and established her as a trailblazing talent in the entertainment industry. Dominique’s versatility shines through in her role as Blood Mary in the captivating weekly anthology series American Horror Stories. Audiences also had the pleasure of witnessing her on American Gods and Strut.

Dominique’s cinematic presence extends to the big screen, where she showcased her acting prowess in Chick Fight, sharing the screen with notable stars like Malin Akerman, Bella Thorne, and Fortune Feimster. Additionally, her guest host appearance on HBO MAX’s Legendary became an internet sensation.

Beyond her acting career, Dominique published her autobiography “The Transexual from Tobago” offering an intimate glimpse into her life journey. She has also worked for several nonprofit organizations, such as Destination Tomorrow in the Bronx, that provide outreach and services to the LGBTQ+ community.

The New York Liberty is not only a powerhouse on the court but also a beacon of advocacy and community engagement. With a rich history dating back to the league’s inception, Liberty has consistently used its platform to champion important causes and make a positive impact beyond basketball.

Known for their unwavering commitment to social justice, the Liberty players and organization have been at the forefront of movements addressing issues such as racial equality, gender equity, and inclusivity. They have actively supported initiatives like using their games as a platform to raise awareness and demand change. Most recently, triumphed at the Commissioner’s Cup Championship, bringing home not only the trophy but also a $25,500 donation for Callen-Lorde.

Off the court, the Liberty’s community work is equally remarkable. Through various outreach programs, clinics, and partnerships, they strive to empower and uplift underserved communities throughout New York City.