Partners since Labor Day 1970, with community involvement in Joslyn Art Museum, AK SAR BEN Coronation, Clarkson Hospital Fashion Show, Omaha Ballet, Sacred Heart Church, CUES, Joslyn Castle Trust, and Nebraska Humane Society, to name a few, Rick Carey and David Scott are the Nebraska Pride 2009 Grand Marshals!

Rick and David, as they are known in the community have shared their talents for years, putting Omaha on the map for fashionable events.  With gentle grace and an incredible sense of style, these two have served as consultants on many major artistic endeavors in this metro area.  Rick and David have travelled the world doing photo shoots, fashion shows and teaching.  More recent projects include involvement in the Lauritzen Gardens Antique Shoe, the KANEKO creative space,  and coaching several contestants for Miss America and Miss Universe pageants.  These two artists act as editorial advisors for Omaha Magazine and Encounter, and assisted in raising money for the Alegent Health Foundation for the Lakeside Image Recovery Center for Cancer Patients.  Rick and David also assisted Ibsen Costume Gallery in hosting the National Costumer’s Association convention in Omaha and won the GRAND INTERNATIONAL AWARD for Best Costume!

Rick and David have been active throughout the country in aids benefits leading to the RED RIBBON BALL for Nebraska Aids Project’s Night of a Thousand Stars.  They were honored in 2001 by the Watanabee  Wellness Center for “dedication to the community and it’s various organizations.”  Out and Proud, is also SALZA, David’s alter ego.  She has been out and about town raising thousands of dollars as an emcee for productions by Nebraska Pride, ICON, Diamond Foundation, and Camp Kindle, MCC Church, Brenner-Beckstead Ministries, Heartland Gay Rodeo Association, and Nebraska Aids Project and Gay American Heroes.
 
Rick and David have always put a positive face on their relationship to both the GLBT and the Straight communities.  With friends who are business people, drag queens, leather men, young and old, wealthy and less privileged, they never thought being gay was anything other than natural for them, and that is exactly how they have been treated.  Having styled Hillary Clinton’s hair and make-up during her election tour stop here, they found her warm and impressed and compassionate about their relationship.

In gratitude for their service and in awe of their expertise,  Rainbow Celebrations is proud to recognize Rick Carey and David Scott as Nebraska Pride 2009 Grand Marshalls.  They are an example for all of us to follow today, tomorrow and forever, true heroes among us!

A Nebraska native, Michael was born in Neligh, Nebraska in 1964. After graduating High School in 1983, Michael attended Wayne State College. In 1986 Michael moved to Omaha to attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, he graduated in 1990 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Michael shows dedication in his employment history having been employed as Pharmacy Manager at the same community pharmacy for 12 years. Balancing the aspects of management with a caring community service ideal makes him a highly prized and respected professional.

Michael first became involved with the Imperial Court of Nebraska (ICON) in 1996 during Reign 16. The following year he was elected to the Board of Governors and has served as President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Coronation Chairman. Michael was nominated and served as Prince Royal for Reign 18. In 1999 he was elected Emperor 19 and with his empress, Empress Laura Lee Lyons, raised in excess of $30,000. In July of 2004, Michael was appointed Regent Emperor 24 to reign with Empress 24 Crystal Delight. Between November and December 2004, they raised over $15,000 to benefit the Nebraska Aids Project. During their reign, one of Michael's goals was to also present a $10,000 check to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and with the help of many individuals, they did.

Since becoming involved with ICON in 1996, Michael has traveled to over 70 Coronations across the United States and Canada. Michael has been awarded many titles and awards throughout the court system; as well as being named the recipient of The Imperial Court of Nebraska Golden Scroll for Reign 20. Recently he was awarded The International Legion of Honor by Empress I Jose for his noble deeds within The International Court System.

In 2002, Michael founded The Laura Lee Lyons PWA Assistance Fund to honor his first Empress, Laura Lee Lyons. This fund provides financial assistance to Nebraska PWA's for expenses not covered by National and State Programs such as housing, personal care needs and medications. To this date, this fund has given out well over $2000 in much needed assistance.

Michael's involvement in the Nebraska GLBT community is definitely not limited to ICON; his participation in other community activities is always welcomed and appreciated. Michael has been involved in Nebraska PRIDE activities and has often served as a Judge for many of the local pageants and contests. He is a two time winner of the prestigious Miss Max Symbol of Excellence Award and is also a past Mr. Omaha Mining Company. He regularly volunteers at the Nebraska Aids Project helping to provide meals for its clients.

Since 2003 the Ribbon Foundation has produced The Miss Merry Christmas Pageant and Michael was the very first winner of the pageant. As his other persona Miss Holly Day, he raised over $1000 for the cause and has since remained involved helping to promote and produce the yearly pageant along with their other activities. Michael continues to perform as Holly Day, and was fortunate to capture the title of Miss Gay Omaha 17.

Sewing and design are two of Michael's favorite hobbies, allowing him to express his inventive and artistic nature. He has designed and constructed numerous costumes for his Empress Crystal Delight as well as other local title holders; Miss Max, Miss Gay Omaha, Miss Nebraska National and Miss Nebraska USA just to name a few. A caring and generous man, Michael is a true asset to the Nebraska GLBT Community. His sense of dedication and commitment goes far beyond the cause as it comes from his heart.

You might not like politics, but politics ultimately are what can make our lives more equal. Well, without the political activism of Lin Quenzer and Barb Baier, the Nebraska GLBT Community would still be several steps behind in the equality department!

From 1988 through 1993, Lin Quenzer and Barb Baier were leaders of a collective of writers that published the "Woman's Journal Advocate". The "Advocate" featured news, a calendar of events and more focusing primarily on LGBT issues. At its zenith, the paper had a national circulation of around 4,000 and saw articles reprinted in other avant garde publications and scholarly journals.

Starting nine years ago, Lin and Barb became active with the Lancaster County Democrats, serving in a variety of volunteer and elected positions. They worked on the campaigns of candidates who were favorable to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered issues, helping several to become elected. When Nebraska's Defense of Marriage Amendment emerged, they organized a fund raiser at their home, and invited all the local Democratic elected officials and leadership to meet with members of the LGBT community. Both the Lancaster County and Nebraska State Democratic Parties voted AGAINST supporting the DOMA.

After several long years of advocating and lobbying, Lin and Barb were able to get the Democratic Party's rules changed allowing minorities to organize their own affiliated caucuses, giving them a voice on the State Executive Committee and the decision making process of the Party. As a consequence, the Nebraska Democratic Party has not only the LGBT Caucus, but also African American, Labor, Women, Hispanic, Catholic and other caucuses.

In 2005, the LGBT Caucus, with the help of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, worked to elect Nebraska's first openly lesbian or gay elected official, Barbara Baier, who now serves on the Lincoln Board of Education. Barbara's election signaled the beginning of a sea change in Nebraska politics and proved the LGBT Caucus's effectiveness.

Lin is serving her second term as the LGBT Caucus Chair and on the Nebraska Democratic Party's Executive Committee and Rules Committee. Barb served as the LGBT Caucus Secretary for one term and now serves as Field Organizer, linking people to the Caucus and educating them to the political issues before our community.

Lin's job as the Ombudsman for the City of Lincoln has also given her the opportunity as an out lesbian to advocate for our community, educating government officials and citizens about LGBT issues. In 2006, Mayor Coleen Seng named Lin to spearhead an Anti-Hate Crimes Task Force made up of LGBT activists from Lincoln and Omaha that advised the City on responding to serious instances of gay bashing and race-based hate crimes in Lincoln.

Lin Quenzer and Barbara Baier will celebrate their 19th anniversary in March 2007. They enjoy co-parenting their son, Robbie, who is seven-years-old. These two ladies, valued members of the Nebraska GLBT Community, continue to advocate for fairness and equality, not only in their professional lives, but in their day to day personal lives.

Role Models! Husbands! Examples of the best in our community! Dedication that never ends! The GLBT Community of Nebraska couldn't ask for more from individuals who love everything there is about their community.

Troy and Jason Fienhold-Haasis, partners of over 8 years, proved their love for each other and to the world when they said their vows in Toronto this past June on the Same Sex Wedding Show, which also aired on Canada's Out TV's hit cable show, "I Now Pronounce You...". After returning to the U.S., they legally changed their names to symbolize their marriage - which is not recognized in Nebraska. With the love and support of both families, these two husbands continue to advocate for "equality for all" here in Nebraska and throughout their travels.

Long before their marriage, they took stands on behalf of the GLBT Community of Nebraska by donating thousands of hours to our community. Troy has been constantly involved with the community in every way possible since the day he "came out" in 1987. He has created GLBT Scholarships, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various GLBT charities such as the Nebraska AIDS Project, the Imperial Court of Nebraska, Proud Horizons GLBT Youth Group, and Camp Kindle, and continuously given of his time and talents as Pride Chair for 5 years in a row to ensure that Nebraska Pride is the highest quality celebration every year.

Proving that it's not a one sided relationship, Jason has served as President of Rainbow Celebrations for 3 years. Along the way becoming a role mode, a leader and a very dedicated individual in the community. His involvement started in the late 90's, just before moving to Omaha, when he was crowned Mr. Gay Pride Capital City in Des Moines. Iowa's loss became Nebraska's very fortunate gain. A talented live vocalist, you probably have heard him sing at one of the many charity benefits he performs at during the year!

Troy and Jason have both served on the Royal Family of the Imperial Court of Nebraska (ICON), the Board of Directors at the Rainbow Outreach GLBT Resource Center of Omaha, as well as leading the planning of the annual Nebraska Pride and National Coming Out Day Celebrations for over 5 years. The Nebraska GLBT Events.com Community Calendar website, Nebraska Pride IDOL, and the Diamond Foundation also fall within their grasps.

In 2002, as charter members of Rainbow Celebrations, they helped bring life to the organization which today is highly respected throughout the Midwest for the annual Celebrations it produces for the Nebraska GLBT Community. Jason and Troy have both held many titles over the past few years and have always went beyond the call of duty - but always for the betterment of the community they live in. Never for themselves! They have worked very hard to show that their love for each other is also shared with their love of the community by constantly providing support and help in every way possible.

2006 Nominees - Sharon Van Butsel & Carla Petersen, Tony Harris

For nearly 25 years, Susan Ann Koenig has been an irrevocable advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender legal rights in Nebraska. Susan graduated summa cum laude from Drake University in 1977. She obtained her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in 1981. A graduate of the Academy for Coaching Excellence, Susan is a Certified Life Coach and attorney.

In addition to promoting the protection of the rights of gays and lesbians through estate planning and custody litigation, Susan has been involved in several landmark GLBT cases in Nebraska. She was trial counsel in Hassenstaab v. Hassenstaab, where the Nebraska Court of Appeals held that a parent's sexual orientation is irrelevant to the determination of child custody. She was trial and appellate counsel in Russell v. Bridgens, where the Nebraska Supreme Court unanimously reversed the lower court's refusal to recognize a lesbian mother's adoption.

Susan has worked with Lambda Legal Defense Fund and the National Civil Liberties Union on GLBT legal rights. She submitted amicus curiae briefs in Brandon v. Richardson County, the civil suit brought by Teena Brandon's family, and In re Luke, the first same-sex adoption case before the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Susan has been a long-time volunteer in the GLBT community. Her volunteer work has included Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP), Gay Lesbian Straight Educators Network (GLSEN), Parents & Friends of Lesbian And Gays (PFLAG), and the fight against Amendment 416. She has been recognized by Citizens for Equal Protection (CFEP) and the National Organization for Women (NOW) for her outstanding contribution to equal rights in Nebraska. She is a past president of the Nebraska National Organization for Women.

Susan is dedicated to educating other legal professionals about GLBT rights. For many years she taught Women and the Law at the Creighton School of Law, addressing topics such as same sex parenting, lesbian rights, and same sex marriage. She has also appeared on the radio program Ask a Lawyer addressing the issue of gay rights. An inspiring public speaker, Susan has given numerous speeches and presentations in the area of GLBT rights.

Susan's writing credits include Regardless of Sexual Orientation, Nebraska Bar Journal, 1999; Advocacy for Nebraska Children with Gay and Lesbian Parents, Creighton Law Review, 2002 and Miss Susan's Etiquette Tips for the Socially Conscious Judge, St. Louis University Public Law Review, 2005. Susan has also been a columnist for the National Women Lawyers Journal. Her book, Divorce in Nebraska, is scheduled for publication by Addicus Books in 2005.

Susan's family includes husband John, son Ben, daughter Liz, and stepdaughter Marisa. Much of Susan's inspiration for her work comes from her late brother, Tim, who died of AIDS in 1994, and her daughter, Liz, who has lived as an out lesbian since she was 13. Susan practices life coaching and law at the Law Office of Susan Ann Koenig, P.C.

2005 Nominees - Troy Fienhold-Haasis, Barbara Kimberly

Support, dedication and devotion! Three words which many of the GLBT organizations in eastern Nebraska use to describe Eric Andersen, former owner of JOY in Omaha, Nebraska. Eric has time and time again proven his dedication and commitment to the GLBT community by sponsoring many events within our community.

Eric, in his capacity as owner of JOY, helped sponsor Ice Bowl, the Nebraska AIDS Walk and Project, MPower, Rainbow Celebrations, Nebraska Pride 2003 and 2004, National Coming Out Day Celebrations, Heartland Gay Rodeo Association, Miss Gay Nebraska National, Miss Gay Nebraska National at Large, International Ms. Leather and the Rainbow Outreach GLBT Resource Center.

Eric even took to the stage at JOY to host his own fundraising benefits for numerous charities close to his heart. With live skits, numerous costume characters and a cast of many, his benefits were sold out/standing room only benefits! Always out and active within the walls of the club, he is respected by many patrons who see his generous and devoted support of these needy organizations.

With an open door, Eric always provided a listening ear to many within the community and a safe place to be yourself when JOY was open. Whenever called upon to help, Eric has always come to the rescue. For these reasons and many more, Eric Andersen was announced as the 2004 GLBT Pride Parade Grand Marshal.

2004 Nominees - Dr. Wally Bacon, Jason Fienhold-Haasis, Judy Hancock, D. Moritz

Politics, religious issues, peaceful protests with Soulforce, speaker panels, Pride festivals, diversity training, PFLAG are all activities which have felt the guiding hand of support which Bob and Betty are both known for. Bob and Betty Dorr, long time GLBT activists and PFLAG Presidents were the 2003 GLBT Pride Parade Grand Marshal. The Dorrs, as many in the Nebraska community know them, have long supported any and all Gay causes - a record of support that reaches over at least a decade.

There are very few GLBT events which you might attend at which you will not see the Dorr's. GLBT Lobby Day at the Unicameral, the annual Night of Thousand Stars, Bob and Betty are there rolling up their sleeves and providing their unwavering support. They are members and friends of Soulforce, Inc., an interfaith movement committed to ending spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against GLBT people.

In addition to their month PFLAG meetings, and other events, they helped to develop and maintain a library of GLBT supportive books at PFLAG's meeting space in Mead Hall at First United Methodist Church. They are regular attendees of the National PFLAG Conference and Betty has contributed a chapter to the book, Out of the Closet - Into Our Hearts, Siegel, Laura and Nancy Lamkin Olson, Leyland Publications, 2001.

Bob and Betty were very active during the 416 campaign, during which time Bob was still a staff writer with the Omaha World Herald. Betty is a published author and both Dorr's have been influential in the church's activities to include more GLBT persons in their congregation. But, it is not enough to just support the community which they work for, they also happen to be the proud parents of a adult gay son! The Dorr's are also devoted grandparents, Sunday School teachers, and Betty is a member of the United Methodist Women's Society. Betty also had the distinct honor of testifying on Jimmy Creech's behalf at the closed trial in Kearney, Nebraska.

Leading by example has made Bob and Betty inspirations to all involved in the Nebraska GLBT community's push for equality. Rainbow Celebrations and Nebraska Pride 2003 congratulate and salute Bob and Betty for their many years of tireless work. Not ones to take the spotlight, the honor of Grand Marshal is one which is not only deserving, but long overdue!

2003 Nominee - Carla Petersen and Sharon Van Butsel

Pride, Community and Commitment. There are no other words that better describe The MAX.

Bruce Barnard and Don "Stosh" Moran, owners of The MAX, have for over 20 years, given to the GLBT Communities of Omaha and Greater Nebraska. Whether it is in the form of cash donations or by offering The MAX as a location to hold events - their commitment is unequaled.

Many non profit organizations have benefited from the generosity of The MAX: the Imperial Court of Nebraska, Leather Engineers of Omaha, the MCC Church of Omaha, the Ribbon Foundation, the Iris Phoenix Scholarship Foundation, Pride, Inc., Learning to Exchange Power, the numerous pageants, Toys 4 Totz, Food 4 Thought, Snoball, ICEBOWL, River City Mixed Chorus, Rainbow Outreach Resource Center are just a few.

Never ones to willingly take the spotlight, Bruce, Stosh and their staff offer the bar as a safe haven for the GLBT community to spend a quiet evening watching TV; dancing to the latest beat or watching their favorite performers. Many times the bar is taken for granted. People don?t stop to realize that business owners take a considerable risk by opening their doors to the GLBT. Yet, seven days a week, The MAX opens its doors and invites us in. The patronage of the GLBT community is sometimes hard to gain, but in return, The MAX is there when needed.

There are many different aspects to our GLBT community, and a Grand Marshal should be seen as a role model to each of those separate segments of the community as a whole. Bruce, Stosh and The MAX continue to support each and every aspect of the Eastern Nebraska GLBT community, whether it is the leather clubs, the Bears, the youth, the women, the transgender, the performers or the men. Their past, present and future contributions to the Nebraska Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities were deserving of recognition as the Grand Marshal for Nebraska Pride 2002!

2002 Nominees - John Carroll, Dave England, Paul Luckhurst, Mike Orr

Scott Winkler is a native Nebraskan, and grew up in the small south-central town of Loomis, Nebraska. He is an accountant by trade and graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln with degrees in accounting and information systems.

He has called Omaha home since 1989. Winkler's attendance at the 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay civil rights was his motivation for becoming involved locally with GLBT and progressive civil and human rights causes. Besides working as executive director for Nebraska Advocates for Justice and Equality, Scott is also a member of Citizens for Equal Protection.

Currently, he continues his personal and professional journey to help make Nebraska a safe and peaceful place to live.

2001 Nominees - Jeff Johnson aka Laura Lee, Don Randolph