Distinguished Service Award to Jeri Hughes

Presented by GLAA President Miguel Tuason

GLAA 41st Anniversary Reception
Washington Plaza Hotel
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Jeri Hughes has persistently and doggedly pressed the District government to increase its employment of transgender people. Her efforts led to Mayor Gray directing the Department of Employment Services to conduct Project Empowerment job training for transgender citizens. Two classes of trainees have now successfully graduated. This is advocacy with results.

I remember meeting Jeri at the first GLAA meeting I attended [in early 2009]. There she was, with motorcycle helmet in hand, intently focused on transgender issues. More on that later. What I remember most from that night was, when the meeting ended, Jeri invited us to her place for dinner, as she had just made a batch of Chicken Marsala, one of her famous dishes.

Although I didn't end up at Jeri's that night, I have subsequently had the distinct pleasure of having her home cooking more than once. Incredible.

Back to transgender issues.

Jeri's efforts to highlight violations of the D.C. Human Rights Act by the Department of Corrections have led to ongoing efforts by the city and activists to improve the treatment of the city's transgender inmates and detainees.

Jeri helps transgender people every day in her job at Transgender Health Empowerment. She combines her passion and outspokenness with a habit of doing her homework, which make an effective combination.

It is my honor and privilege to present Jeri Hughes with GLAA's Distinguished Service Award.