On Thursday, June 4, the city of Dallas hosted the Pride in Excellence Awards at a reception in the lobby of Dallas City Hall.
City Council Members Chad West and Laura Cadena highlighted the contributions of the honorees in fostering a more inclusive and welcoming city.
The annual Pride in Excellence Awards recognize Dallas residents who embody the core values of service and innovation, leveraging their platforms to create meaningful, lasting change for the LGBTQ+ community.
The 2026 award recipients include:
- Kirk Myers-Hill Pioneer in PRIDE Award: Libby Gonzales
- Adam Medrano Excellence in Leadership Award: Honorable Omar Narvaez
- Outstanding Leadership in Business Award: Visit Dallas
- Outstanding Leadership in Community Impact Award: Juan Contreras
- Outstanding Leadership in Public Service Award: Honorable Julie Johnson
- Outstanding Leadership in Arts and Culture Award: Jerome Larez
- Outstanding Leadership in Health and Human Services Award: Cece Cox
- Outstanding Leadership in Philanthropy Award: Mark Niermann & Enrique Macgregor
In addition, eight pieces of art were selected for a Pride art exhibition that will hang in the lobby of City Hall through the month of June and the artists were given a certificate.
The title of the piece and artists are:
A. Hidden Love by Maria Munson
B. A Trip Down South by Lazares Avinger
C. United by Trish Allen
D. Dreaming of You/Sagnandoti, che ti aspett by Armando Sebastian
E. What We Are (Life and Color) by Romulo Martinez
F. US of gAy by DR Hanson
G. Step Up to Love by Chad Mantooth
H. After Valentine’s Day by M. Mason
— David Taffet