The QBliss GLBTIA Creating Change Community Award - "Gary Wilkerson Visionary Leadership Award"

On June 9, 2007, QBliss Executive Director,  Founder, and Editor In Chief Russell Olivera Jr., met an extraordinary man named Gary Wilkerson, The two met at Mid-South Pride's "Pride Festival" In Memphis Tennessee, this was the first face to face meeting after months of corresponding thru emails and phone calls since QBliss was the media sponsor for the event. Olivera had heard whispers of what was happening in Memphis Tennessee, that it's annual pride event was something special and unlike many other pride events. The event was produced by Mid-South Pride, who were changing the face of pride and bringing a community together in a way that was all inclusive, positive, and breaking stereotypes, creating a different vision of  what a pride event is all about. Olivera knew that he had to make QBliss a part of this event and it's message, so QBliss became the events media sponsor.

Olivera interviewed Gary Wilkerson in person at the event and found a man who had a similar vision on where the greater GLBTI community could go, and how our community could change. The positive optimism  Wilkerson showed during the interview connected with Olivera's already positive and optimistic vision for our community.

In 2004, Gary Wilkerson co-founded Mid-South Pride, Inc. He also became a much needed community leader and activist, Gary helped make Mid -South Pride a successful and more importantly view changing group. A group that truly shows what pride is all about.

In October 2007, Olivera and the greater GLBTIA community, local and worldwide, learned that Gary Wilkerson had past away at 45 years old. Olivera was heartbroken that a fellow gay brother and leader with vision, hope and a love for a community struggling to find the leaders of tomorrow, was gone.

In January 2008, Olivera announced that QBliss would pay tribute to Wilkerson by naming a community award  after him, "The QBliss GLBTIA Creating Change Community Award - Gary Wilkerson Visionary Leadership Award". Olivera said. "the award would be given to the leaders of our greater GLBTI community and our allies, whose vision and work reflects the importance of inclusion, tolerance and showing that a community is made of many people, and that each is a vital member."

Some of Wilkerson's personal heroes were his parents, family, Phyllis Tickle, Tom Hanks, and Bill Clinton. Every person has personal hero's, and for QBliss' Russell Olivera Jr., Gary Wilkerson is one of his.

Some Extra Facts About Gary Wilkerson:
- Came out at 16 years old
- Partnered For 7 Years.
- Born In Savannah, Tennessee
- Attended High School, In Bartlett, Tennessee.
- Loved The Harry Potter Books and any book by author Phyllis Tickle.
- One of his favorite movies was Steele Magnolias.

Past Winners Of The QBliss GLBTIA Creating Change Community Award  - Gary Wilkerson Visionary Leadership Award

Winner 2008 - Awarded To: Thomas N. Simmons - Shelby County Committee Co-Chair Of The Tennessee Equality Project.

Winner 2009 - Awarded To: Beth Teper, Executive Director Of COLAGE