RAINBOW AWARDS & GALA 2025

 1. Humanitarian Award

Cindy Watson - JASMYN  

2. Most Influential Person Award

Manny Vasquez - UNF 47.30% 

3. Best Local Corporation/Business for Equality

VyStar Credit Union 

4. Best Local Equality Organization

JASMYN 36.22% 

5. Best Local LGBTQ+ Charity/Non-Profit

JASMYN 56.13% 

6. Best LGBTQ+ Small Business Owner

Bruce Musser - Hair Peace 

7. Best NEW LGBTQ+ Non-Profit/Charity

Colors Jax Center 

8. Best LGBTQ+ Nightclub

InCahoots Nightclub  

Hardwicks Jax  

Park Place 

9. Best Local LGBTQ+Bar

Hardwicks Jax 

Park Place 

InCahoots Jax 

10. Best Local Straight Ally

Mayor Donna Deegan - Jacksonville Mayor 

11. Best Local LGBTQ+ Clergy Leader

Maddie Hilt - Riverside Church   

12. Best Local Lifetime Achievement Person

Karrissa T. Wade 

13. Best Local Transgender Advocate

Regina Livingston – Unspoken Treasury Society 

14. Best Local LGBTQ+ Group

OUTdoorsy Jax 

15. Best LGBTQ+ MC/Host/Hostess

Diva Cliché - Hardwick's Jax & Hamburger Mary's Jax 

16. Best Local Community Theater Group

Theatre Jax 

17. Best Local LGBTQ+ Happy Hour Event

Park Place  

18. Best Local LGBTQ+ Annual Event

Jacksonville River City Pride 

19. Best Local Realtor

Heather Buckman - Cowford Reality & Design 

20. Best Local Restaurant

Biscottis 

21. Best Local Doctor

Dr. Mo Reza - Reza Health 

22. Best Local HIV/AIDS Resource Center

CAN Community Health Center 

23. Best LGBTQ+ Local Bartender

Charlie Brill - Park Place 

Kathy Melstein - InCahoots Nightclub 

Mick Luna - InCahoots, Sherwood's & Hardwicks 

24. Best Performer: Drag Queen / Female Entertainer

Chasity Ross Boen - InCahoots Nightclub

25. Best Performer: Drag King / Male Entertainer

Judas Elliot - InCahoots Nightclub  

26. Best Performer: Musician

Mason Manion 

27. Best Performer: DJ

Mike Bitar – Hardwicks 

28. Best Local Politician

Angie Nixon 

29. Best Local Mental/Behavioral Health Provider

Salym Winter - JASMYN 

30. Best Local Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Wallace - Fleming Island Plastic Surgery 

31. Best Local HIV/AIDS Health Clinic

Reza Health 

32. Best Local Teacher/Professor

Dave Alan Thomas 

33. Best Local LGBTQ+ Sports Team

Duuubal Blue Balls 

34. Best Local LGBTQ+ Sports Athlete

Devin Faustino

35. Best LGBTQ+ Community Cheerleader

Lori - Park Place 

36. Best Local LGBTQ+ Trailblazer

Paige Maghoney Parks - T.A.P. 

37. Best Queer Entertainer

Gieovan Cliche - Hardwicks Jax & Hamburger Mary's Jax

38. Best Local Hair Stylist

Danny Macey - Clover & Woolly Salon 

39. Best Local Spa

Fleming Island Plastic Surgery 

40. Best Local Hair Salon

Hair Peace  

41. Best Local Music/Performing Art Venue

Florida Theatre  

42. Best Local Pizza Restaurant

Carmine's Pie House 

43. Best Local Mexican Restaurant

Lola's Burrito Joint  

44. Best Local Attorney

Chris Wickersham - Law Offices of Christopher Wickersham Jr, P.A. 

45. Best Local Philanthropist

Dan Hutton - AIDS Memorial Project 

46. Best Community Advocate

Jeff Fix - Equality Florida & House of Prism St. Augustine 

47. Best Local Veterinarian

Dr. Jubilee Lassiter - Forever Vets Riverside 

48. Best Local Tattoo Shop

Synthia Roy Tattoo & Body Piercing 

49. Best Local Artist

Ron Episcopo 

50. Best Local Pride Group

UNF Pride Group 

51. Best Local Food Truck

Dobber's Dawgs