The Jacksonville LGBT Chamber of Commerce celebrated businesses, individuals, groups and organizations making a positive impact in Jacksonville’s LGBTQ+ community at the 15th annual Rainbow Awards and Gala.
The evening was held at the Schultz Center the evening of March 8. The black-tie and evening gown affair included a cocktail hour, a VIP Meet-n-Greet and the awards show followed by vendor exhibits.
More than 50 individuals, businesses, groups and organizations were recognized during the awards show with another 11 honorees named this year. JASMYN Founder and CEO Cindy Watson was awarded the 2025 Humanitarian Award and Mayor Donna Deegan was named the Best Local Straight Ally. Riverside’s Hair Peace and owner, Bruce Musser won Best Local Hair Salon and Best LGBTQ+ Small Business Owner, respectively. The Florida Theatre was named Best Local Music/Performing Art Venue and Avondale’s Biscottis was awarded the Best Local Restaurant.
1. Humanitarian Award
Cindy Watson – JASMYN
2. Most Influential Person Award
Manny Vasquez – UNF 47.30%
3. Best Local Corporation/Business for Equality
VyStar Credit Union
4. Best Local Equality Organization
JASMYN 36.22%
5. Best Local LGBTQ+ Charity/Non-Profit
JASMYN 56.13%
6. Best LGBTQ+ Small Business Owner
Bruce Musser – Hair Peace
7. Best NEW LGBTQ+ Non-Profit/Charity
Colors Jax Center
8. Best LGBTQ+ Nightclub
InCahoots Nightclub
Hardwicks Jax
Park Place
9. Best Local LGBTQ+Bar
Hardwicks Jax
Park Place
InCahoots Jax
10. Best Local Straight Ally
Mayor Donna Deegan – Jacksonville Mayor
11. Best Local LGBTQ+ Clergy Leader
Maddie Hilt – Riverside Church
12. Best Local Lifetime Achievement Person
Karrissa T. Wade
13. Best Local Transgender Advocate
Regina Livingston – Unspoken Treasury Society
14. Best Local LGBTQ+ Group
OUTdoorsy Jax
15. Best LGBTQ+ MC/Host/Hostess
Diva Cliché – Hardwick’s Jax & Hamburger Mary’s Jax
16. Best Local Community Theater Group
Theatre Jax
17. Best Local LGBTQ+ Happy Hour Event
Park Place
18. Best Local LGBTQ+ Annual Event
Jacksonville River City Pride
19. Best Local Realtor
Heather Buckman – Cowford Reality & Design
20. Best Local Restaurant
Biscottis
21. Best Local Doctor
Dr. Mo Reza – Reza Health
22. Best Local HIV/AIDS Resource Center
CAN Community Health Center
23. Best LGBTQ+ Local Bartender
Charlie Brill – Park Place
Kathy Melstein – InCahoots Nightclub
Mick Luna – InCahoots, Sherwood’s & Hardwicks
24. Best Performer: Drag Queen / Female Entertainer
Chasity Ross Boen – InCahoots Nightclub
25. Best Performer: Drag King / Male Entertainer
Judas Elliot – InCahoots Nightclub
26. Best Performer: Musician
Mason Manion
27. Best Performer: DJ
Mike Bitar – Hardwicks
28. Best Local Politician
Angie Nixon
29. Best Local Mental/Behavioral Health Provider
Salym Winter – JASMYN
30. Best Local Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Wallace – Fleming Island Plastic Surgery
31. Best Local HIV/AIDS Health Clinic
Reza Health
32. Best Local Teacher/Professor
Dave Alan Thomas
33. Best Local LGBTQ+ Sports Team
Duuubal Blue Balls
34. Best Local LGBTQ+ Sports Athlete
Devin Faustino
35. Best LGBTQ+ Community Cheerleader
Lori – Park Place
36. Best Local LGBTQ+ Trailblazer
Paige Maghoney Parks – T.A.P.
37. Best Queer Entertainer
Gieovan Cliche – Hardwicks Jax & Hamburger Mary’s Jax
38. Best Local Hair Stylist
Danny Macey – Clover & Woolly Salon
39. Best Local Spa
Fleming Island Plastic Surgery
40. Best Local Hair Salon
Hair Peace
41. Best Local Music/Performing Art Venue
Florida Theatre
42. Best Local Pizza Restaurant
Carmine’s Pie House
43. Best Local Mexican Restaurant
Lola’s Burrito Joint
44. Best Local Attorney
Chris Wickersham – Law Offices of Christopher Wickersham Jr, P.A.
45. Best Local Philanthropist
Dan Hutton – AIDS Memorial Project
46. Best Community Advocate
Jeff Fix – Equality Florida & House of Prism St. Augustine
47. Best Local Veterinarian
Dr. Jubilee Lassiter – Forever Vets Riverside
48. Best Local Tattoo Shop
Synthia Roy Tattoo & Body Piercing
49. Best Local Artist
Ron Episcopo
50. Best Local Pride Group
UNF Pride Group
51. Best Local Food Truck
Dobber’s Dawgs
2025 Honorees:
Honoree Corporation: TD Bank
Honoree Posthumous: Kat Newman
Honoree Organization: Unspoken Treasure Society and T.A.P.
Honoree Group: VyPride (VyStar Credit Union)
Honorees: Amy Glassman, Phillip Perry, Love Reigns, Lana Lashes, Jordyn Sinclair Sheperd, Autumn Jay, Tracye Ann Polson
