Celebrating 15 Years of Pride at the Annual Rainbow Awards

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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.

people smiling and facing camera
people smiling and facing camera
two smiling men

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

Tags: Biscottis, Bruce Musser, Cindy Watson, Donna Deegan, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, LGBTQ+, Rainbow Awards and Gala, The Schultz Center


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