In honor of Pride Month, Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. honored several local LGBTQ leaders at his annual LGBTQ & Allies Pride Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 5 at Billy’s Sports Bar. This year’s honorees included Fabio Cortez, Maria Rodriguez, Jahaira Gonzalez and Hands in 4 Youth – GSA at P.S./M.S. 29 in Melrose. Janet Weinberg was posthumously awarded the 2019 John Wade Award, which honors LGBTQ individuals for excellence in government service.
![](/assets/photos/2019/25/25-a-diazlgbtbillys-2019-06-21-bx02_z.jpg)
Diaz (l) presented a citation of merit to Hands in 4 Youth GSA at P.S./M.S. 29’s representatives.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
![](/assets/photos/2019/25/25-a-diazlgbtbillys-2019-06-21-bx03_z.jpg)
Maria Rodriguez graciously accepted her citation of merit from the borough president.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
![](/assets/photos/2019/25/25-a-diazlgbtbillys-2019-06-21-bx04_z.jpg)
Roz Weinberg (c) proudly accepted the 2019 John Wade Award honoring her late wife Janet Weinberg.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
![](/assets/photos/2019/25/25-a-diazlgbtbillys-2019-06-21-bx05_z.jpg)
James Young (l) of Queery and author Eddie Pabon were vending at the Pride event.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
![](/assets/photos/2019/25/25-a-diazlgbtbillys-2019-06-21-bx06_z.jpg)
Fabio Cortez (r) happily accepted his citation of merit from Diaz.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez