Mayor Jerry Sanders was among those honored Monday at the 30th Nicky Awards ceremony. Sanders, a Republican who spoke in favor of same-sex marriage in November, received the George Moscone Humanitarian Award, named for the late San Francisco mayor who was an advocate for GLBT rights.

Sanders, who in September signed the San Diego friend-of-the-court brief in support of overturning the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, was initially expected to veto the brief.

During an emotional press conference following the City Council’s vote to sign the brief, Sanders, whose daughter Lisa is a lesbian, explained why he chose to support same-sex marriage.

“As I reflected on the choices that I had … I just could not bring myself to tell an entire group of people in our community that they were less important, less worthy and less deserving of the rights and responsibilities of marriage … simply because of their sexual orientation,” said Sanders, in a video recording of the press conference that was replayed Monday during the awards ceremony.

Sanders was presented with the award by his daughter, Lisa.

“He said he loved me no matter what and he meant it,” she said before presenting the award, discussing her father’s reaction to her coming out. “Not all of us are lucky enough to have unconditional support from our families. This award is for a loving father and for all the mothers and fathers who support their children.

After receiving the award, Sanders said, “Lisa has been steadfast in her courage and steadfast in supporting me. I can’t think about a more important relationship than the one that I have with my daughter. I would like to thank each and every one of you … for the award. It’s tremendously important to me.”

Sanders was among a number of individuals, along with businesses and organizations, honored during Monday’s ceremony, hosted at the Birch North Park Theatre.

The GLBT community honors also recognized The Center’s Chief Executive Officer Delores A. Jacobs, candidate for District 3 City Council Todd Gloria, Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol founder Ben Gomez, Being Alive San Diego and San Diego LGBT Pride, among others.

“The Nicky Awards are about two words that should be said more often – not only in the GLBT community but in all communities – and that is ‘thank you,’” said Nicole Murray-Ramirez, who founded the Nickys in 1976.

Jacobs received the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award and Gloria received the Outstanding Man of the Year award.

“You are my family. I am from this community. It’s all of you who allow me to stand in front of 1.2 million people and to become a viable candidate for the San Diego City Council. Thank you so much,” said Gloria.

After the show’s two-year hiatus, approximately 500 people attended the revamped ceremony Monday, said David Cohen and Michael Mack, co-chairs of this year’s award’s ceremony and co-owners of Hawthorn’s Restaurant Lounge, which hosted a pre-ceremony VIP dinner.

The amount of money raised is still being determined, though Mack said the event raised more than $20,000 for the Imperial Court de San Diego, the Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Children’s Summer Academy, and The San Diego LGBT Community Center.

Monique Marvez, host of Jack FM’s Monique & The Man radio show, emceed the event with model, Kyle Fitzgerald.

Marvez, who peppered the show with comedy, said Fitzgerald, who removed a piece of clothing after each intermission and was stripped down to his underwear by the end of the show, was “straighter than Yoko Ono’s pubic hair.”

“But I do consider myself an honorary gay man,” Fitzgerald added. “I just bought myself 11 decorative pillows for my bed.”

The show’s performers included Niki Haris, guitarist David Casey, dancers Gabriel Winns, Megan McBride, and Elizabeth Halajian, and the urban dance group SuperGalacticBeatManipulators.

• Outstanding Neighborhood Bar: Redwing

• Outstanding Bar Event: Jetset

• Outstanding Night Club/Dance Bar: Rich’s

• Outstanding Owner: Dale Dubach, Chaz Weathers, Johnny Osgood, Martinis Above Fourth

• Outstanding Levi/Leather Event: Mr. Leather San Diego

• Outstanding Bar Manager: Raymond – Hawthorn’s

• Outstanding Bartender, Female: Moe – Baja Betty’s

• Outstanding Bartender, Male: Kekoa Young – Richs; and Mark Rupp – Bourbon Street

• Outstanding Overall Restaurant: Arrivederci and Martinis Above Fourth

• Outstanding Impersonator: Bianca

• Outstanding DJ/VJ: DJ Brian Pruett

• Outstanding Gym: Powerhouse

• Outstanding Business: Park Manor Suites

• Outstanding Salon/Spa: Richard Joseph

• Outstanding Youth (18-21): Raymond Portillo Leon

• Outstanding Community Volunteer: Ben Gomez, San Diego GLBT Veterans

• Outstanding HIV/AIDS Service Provider: Being Alive

• Outstanding Political Activist: Ben Cartwright

• Outstanding Community Event: San Diego LGBT Pride

• Outstanding Chef: Deborah Scott, Kemo Sabe

• Outstanding Community Organization: Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol

• Outstanding Overall Bar: Bourbon Street

• Outstanding Coffee Shop: Claire de Lune

• Outstanding Publication: Gay & Lesbian Times

• Outstanding Man of the Year: Todd Gloria

• Outstanding Woman of the Year: Delores A. Jacobs