The 35th presentation of what are considered the “Gay Academy Awards of San Diego” drew a standing room crowd as hundreds of GLBT San Diegans, families and friends packed the LGBT Community Center on Sunday, August 29th. In celebration of the history and diversity of these annual community awards that have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for countless GLBT charities and social service organizations, the city of San Diego officially proclaimed August 29, 2010 as “Nicky Awards Day.”

The official proclamation was presented to the 2010 Co-Chairs of the Nicky Board of Governors; Lisa Sanders, Allan Spyere and Empress Lala Too whom headed the youngest awards committee in the history of these awards. City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez, founder of the Nicky Awards, presented the audience with a well-received speech.

One that reminded the audience of a time when the first Nicky Awards were established in 1975, when “there was still a law in California against ‘homosexual acts.’ In 1975, Harvey Milk had lost his second campaign for election to public office and in 1975, San Diego held its first Pride Parade and Rally which drew about 400 people.” In contrast to 2010’s recent Pride events which drew in over 150,000 people.

Commissioner Ramirez continued by stating that the progress the GLBT community has achieved was also due to “our friends, families and allies.” Ramirez then introduced Mayor Jerry Sanders whom received one of the longest, loudest standing ovations of the night. Mayor Sanders presented the annual “Mayor George Moscone Memorial Award” to the City of West Hollywood on its 25th anniversary as one of the most progressive and diverse cities in the nation.

Mayor John Heilman of West Hollywood accepted the honor on behalf of his city. Heilman himself, received the 2nd annual “Nicole Murray Ramirez Civil Rights Award,” presented by former Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins and City Councilman Todd Gloria.

The past recipient of the Ramirez Award was Cleve Jones, founder of the Names AIDS Quilt and historic consultant to the movie Milk.

San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts presented the “Harvey Milk Equality Award” to the North County LGBT Coalition. The final prestigious community award was presented to world-renowned heavy metal music icon, Rob Halford of Judas Priest. Halford came out to millions of fans on MTV and VH1 over a decade ago.

Halford spoke of his pride in the GLBT community as well as his activism in San Diego after being presented his award by longtime gay activist, “Big Mike” Phillips and Commissioner Ramirez.

The 2010 Nicky Awards included entertainment by Ms. Grace Towers, considered one of the best Lady Gaga impersonators in America. Ms. Towers’ performance included a song and dance as well as assistance from about a dozen backup dancers. The performance was well-received with a standing ovation and continued cheers from the audience.

The Platt Brothers of NBC’s America’s Got Talent also performed, much to the appreciation of the diverse crowd.

The awards show presented the nominees with a trophy and appreciated applause from the audience which included elected officials and candidates for public office, Presidents/Chairs of numerous GLBT organizations, business owners and community activists. Hundreds of younger San Diegans as well as friends, family and community allies were a larger, welcomed presence this year.

The 2010 Nicky Awards were dedicated to the memory of community activist Rafael Holquin and entertainer Tom Doyle, a.k.a. Hannah Barbera, both had recently passed away.

Beneficiaries of the Nicky Awards included the LGBT Community Center, the Milk/Ramirez GLBT Student Scholarship Program and the Imperial Court de San Diego. Both Mayor Sanders and Commissioner Ramirez commented, “the Nicky Awards have, in many ways, been passed on to a new generation of GLBT producers and activists.”

For more information on the Nicky Awards, call 619-300-1232.