For Michael Riordan, director of media and communications for Compass LGBTQ Community Center, the organization’s mission of trans advocacy and support is personal.
“Compass Community Center saved my life,” Riordan said. “I was 37 years old before I was finally able to admit to myself that I was transgender. I was scared and had no idea what to do. I found the gender support group at Compass and my life has never been the same.”
The center has offered a variety of health and support services to the Palm Beach County LGBTQ community for almost 35 years.
Winning the award wasn’t what filled Riordan’s heart. Instead, it was the novelty that a category like “Best Trans Advocate” is around.
“I cast my vote to my fellow nominees in this category, and each of them are equally deserving of winning,” Riordan said. “That this category exists shows us that there is hope for our community in South Florida.”
Runner-up: Velvet Lenore
RELATED
