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2009 Harmony Award Honorees |
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The GMCW Harmony Award recognizes individuals and organizations that exemplify
the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington's mission to "affirm the place of gay people in society." |
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The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson
Harmony Award: Individual from the Community |
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As the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, Bishop Robinson's courage and his example as an international leader and scholar have sparked a worldwide public dialogue surrounding human rights.
Bishop Robinson was invested as the Ninth Bishop of New Hampshire on March 7, 2004, touching off an international firestorm for being selected as the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church. He was chosen by President Barack Obama's inaugural committee to deliver the invocation at the Inaugural concert held at the Lincoln Memorial, which also featured GMCW. He is co-author of three AIDS education curricula for youth and adults and has done extensive work on AIDS in the United States and Africa. He is a member of the Human Rights Campaign Religion Council and an international spokesperson for the dignity of gay people in all walks of life. His life story has been chronicled in two recent books — Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America by Mitchell Gold and Mindy Drucker, and his recent autobiography, In the Eye of the Storm — and a feature film, For the Bible Tells Me So, all of which look at homophobia in religion.
He is the father of two grown daughters and the proud grandfather of two granddaughters. He lives with his partner, Mark Andrew, who is employed by the State of New Hampshire's Department of Safety.
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Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department's
Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit
Harmony Award: Organization |
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Staffed by openly GLBT members of the department and their allies since its inception in 2000, the GLLU is a national model for protecting the rights of GLBT citizens.
In addition to providing 24-hour police response to members of the GLBT communities, the GLLU also:
- Advises the Chief of Police on issues surrounding GLBT communities;
- Serves as a representative for the Metropolitan Police Department at community events, civic meetings, government functions, and other related events;
- Serves on the Hate Crimes Task Force;
- Visits gay owned/operated businesses, corporations, associations, and other groups that seek the support or assistance of the GLLU;
- Provides support and assistance with law enforcement investigations that involve members of the GLBT communities;
- Operates an MPD recruiting booth at local pride festivals for both sworn and reserved police officials;
- Provides training and education to the GLBT communities and members of the MPD;
- Offers safety training tailored to members of the GLBT communities; and
- Serves as a resource for other law enforcement agencies nationwide.
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Michael Baker
Harmony Award: GMCW Member |
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Founding member of GMCW, Circle of Excellence Award Recipient and former Chorus President, Michael Baker is hailed for his outstanding leadership and resource development.
Michael is a founding member of GMCW, a "Grande Dame Without Cluster" in chorus circles. For all of GMCW's 28 season, Michael has been a quiet force to help the Chorus advance as an organization. He was the first Chorus president after the Board re-organized in 2001 and served as ex-officio member of the FCPAA Board of Directors. Through his leadership, he helped GMCW transition to a more professional operation while keeping member interests top of mind. He has hosted innumerable fundraisers, parties, and new member events at his home and has been an annual donor every year of GMCW's existence. His commitment to bringing resources to the Chorus has never wavered. When money needed to be raised for special projects, Michael made the phone calls to make it happen. He has co-chaired the Spring Affair basket raffle since its inception, helping to raise thousands of dollars to support GMCW's work on stage. Michael has always helped celebrate those who make GMCW's music possible, including his leadership of the Circle of Excellence Committee, an award he himself received in 1996. He has been a singing member for 28 years, including as a member of Potomac Fever for more than a decade.
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