Pride 2023 - Featured Stories: Models of Hope Honorees 2023

The Vincent R. Johnson Models of Hope Award honors individuals and organizations making a difference and are seen as role models in the community. Many outstanding individuals and companies over 20 years have received this award. We are honored to have the following honorees join the Models of Hope family.

SARAH KENNEDY - COMMUNITY HONOREE
Sarah Kennedy is a well-known comedian from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a positive influence on the LGBTQI community. She has been a strong partner for her wife and partner, Kelli Trapnell, who worked together to open Albuquerque's only comedy club, Dry Heat Comedy. Sarah's comedy covers the gambit and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQI rights. She writes, produces, and performs. She is an example of a Model of Hope, inspiring others to be true to themselves and stand up for their beliefs.

How did you become involved with the LGBTQ community?
I was lucky enough to be born into the LGBTQ+ community! But honestly, as I was coming to terms with who I am as a teenager. I certainly wasn't the most outspoken gay around. I had brave friends who were openly in same-sex relationships, actively working to establish community/school programs and living their truth big and brightly. I needed more time to sit with my identity and become comfortable - slowly coming out over time. When I started doing comedy in 2009, I started to share my story and quickly realized that the art and performance I found myself drawn to could create joy and impact my LGBTQ family. I was also lucky to have a lesbian freaking icon in Dana Goldberg, who also started comedy in Albuquerque and went on to do so much for us as a guiding light. Now, I'm thrilled to get to co-own Dry Heat Comedy Club downtown with my wife, Kelli Trapnell, and we work to keep our stage open for folks of all sorts of identities to feel safe sharing their experiences and exploring how they can impact the community themselves!

What was life like when you were a youth?
I feel like I figured out large chunks of my identity during a fantastically, groundbreaking time for LGBTQ people. I watched the world change right in front of me! When I was little, I remember our music coordinator getting fired from our church for being gay and the discussion around it is very secretive and shameful. It was also a time when it wasn't outside the realm of possibility for kids to play Smear The Q*eer during recess and for "That's gay" to be an entirely common phrase to throw around. But then, little by little, stuff happened in the world, shifting hearts and minds. I watched Ellen come out on national television. Will & Grace becomes a mainstay on Thursday nights. My high school, Cibola, and my college, UNM, established GSAs/QSAs. The L Word came on the air just as I was coming out and entering the dating pool and making lifelong friendships with other queer people. Then I blinked my eyes, and gay marriage was the law of the land. It seems like it happened so fast! I think it's easy to take comfort and safety for granted, and with what's happening in the country right now, we could go back just as quickly if we don't stay aware.

What piece of advice would you give LGBTQ youth?
Please learn the history of and engage in your community. You are a part of that history and community, and the more you know about where we came from, the more you can play an informed role in where we're going: how to protect those at most risk and how to create a more equitable world for all of us. When things are at their darkest, we have each other to hold and care for. When things are at their brightest, we have each other to embrace and celebrate with. It can be life-saving for yourself and others.

Avery Martini - Photo by Maya Holt.

AVERY MARTINI - COMMUNITY HONOREE
Avery Martini (Freddie McCalmant-Bell) is a powerhouse in the drag scene. From her first performance, she captivated audiences with her laser-focused lipsyncing and on-point choreography. But she is more than just a performer. Avery is a leader in the community, using her voice for those who may not. Now, Avery is moving into the realm of producing to create shows that highlight minorities in the community. We are honored to have Avery Martini join the ranks of the Models of Hope family.

How did you become involved with the LGBTQ community?
I've always been Queer. I knew who I was early on and carried that knowledge into adulthood. I genuinely stumbled into a position of "being a leader" in my LGBTQ community, and I couldn't be more grateful to be able to advocate for those who want to live an authentic truth. I became involved in the LGBTQ Community not just because I'm part of it. Our community is ROOTED in activism. The least I can do is continue to use my voice to advocate for those who feel they may not have one. 

What was life like for you as an LGBTQ youth?
I recognized my queerness at a very early age. I didn't have the language or verbiage for who I was. All I knew was I didn't like "boy things". The typical things my parents tried so hard to force me to enjoy (i.e. sports, toy cars, G.I. Joe, etc).
I grew up being shamed and bullied by my peers - my elders and some of my family for having a swish in my hips and a limp in my wrist. That is until I was 14 when I took that power back. I came out to those who I had around me after getting a vague understanding of what "being Gay" was. I finally accepted that I was different from those around me, but not different in a bad way. The more I started being unapologetically myself, the more supportive my close friends were. My older sister became my protector, and my parents took a while to come around (My mother is now front row at my drag shows and is my biggest supporter today). But at the end of the day, I knew I was safe in my environment to live my truth, which is a privilege, as many may not have that luxury. 

What piece of advice would you give LGBTQ youth?
In your time, choose authenticity. When you're ready, free yourself from the weight of shame. When it's SAFE, find support in those you trust. I PROMISE you, as cliche as it seems, IT GETS BETTER. You are not to be feared. You are not shameful. You are worthy of a life free from other people's expectations. It takes great courage to be who you are. It takes great resilience to withstand judgment and continue to move through the world with a chin held high. And lastly, keep a good heart. Do not let those who project out of fear and misunderstanding break your soul. 
We are a COMMUNITY! Accepting you for all you are, here with open arms, whenever you are ready.

HOT FLASH ABQ - BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION HONOREE
A need for community is a space to feel accepted and free to be yourself. Hot Flash ABQ is a women's dance event designed to provide a safe and inclusive space for women to come together and enjoy music, dancing, and socializing. Kathy Baker of Hot Flash ABQ is committed to creating a welcoming environment for the LGBTQI community, and this event has become a beloved fixture. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or connect with like-minded individuals, Hot Flash ABQ is a must-attend event worthy of being a Models of Hope honoree.

How did Hot Flash ABQ become a staple in Albuquerque?
With all the women's bars closing over the years, there was a need. Someone came to me and told me that we needed a non-smoking women's dance. I had been to a Hot Flash dance in San Diego and thought, why not? As a community, we are better together, and life is easier when you do things with friends. I asked five friends that were in ABQ to share the event. At the first dance, we had over 120 women - this was in 2016. Today, since my partner has put all of her kindness into the dances, we support a local non-profit organization monthly. We raise money and items needed for their organization. We also try to have live performances or local special guests. We are named Hot Flash ABQ because it's a women's dance. We are a 21-and-over dance, and we love seeing the younger generation join in.

What does it mean to be a part of the LGBTQI+ community?
Being a part of the LGBTQI+ community is an honor. Being in my 50s, the women before me paved my way, making my life easier. I hope we create a safe place for all women of all ages to dance, flirt, laugh, and make new friends. By giving back to the community and bringing our community together monthly - We hope we bring joy to create a safe place for all that join us.

What piece of advice would you give LGBTQ youth?
Advice? Do what you say, ask for help, commit to your dreams, and always be kind.

To learn more about Models of Hope or to cast a nomination, visit www.myprideonline.com/models-of-hope.html.