The Bridge of Central Massachusetts

WORCESTER - More than 175 people, including Lt. Governor Timothy Murray, attended the 2007 Safe Homes People of Courage Awards event on Tuesday, June 6.

Five local individuals and one community organization were recognized at the ceremony, which was held at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester.

2007 marks the third year that The Bridge of Central Massachusetts and the Safe Homes program honored local heroes who are making a difference in the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

2007 People of	Courage	Honorees
Greater Worcester Community Foundation		Corporate Award
Paul Belanger	Bancroft School	Public Service Award
Douglas Bounds	Peer Leader	Youth Award
Roxanne Auger	Bay Path Reg. Voc. Tech. H.S.	Award of Courage
James Yon	UMass Medical School	Collegiate Award
Jenn Britt	PFLAG Worcester	Volunteer Award

A Special Recognition award was given to former Worcester mayor Timothy Murray, who reiterated the current administration's support for youth programs and equal rights. Murray and Governor Deval Patrick were honored by Safe Homes for their continued commitment to the GLBT community.

One highlight of the evening was a short performance by students from Bancroft School. The four young women did monologues from "The Laramie Project," a play by Moises Kaufman that deals with the aftermath of the murder of gay college student Matthew Shepherd. The actors were reprising roles they had first performed earlier in the school year. Their director and teacher, Paul Belanger, was one of those honored at the awards ceremony.

The awards recognized gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender individuals and their allies living and/or working in Central Massachusetts. According to the event organizers, this year's ceremony was a tremendous success. Al Toney, who chairs the group of community volunteers, said he believes that the People of Courage Awards has really gained momentum.

"We are so grateful to everyone who showed their support for GLBTQ youth by attending this special celebration," he said. "We are especially pleased with how many policymakers and politicians took the time to attend."

Safe Homes, which is a program of The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, is a support program for GLBTQ youth. For more information about Safe Homes, please visit the Safe Homes Web site.