By now, you’ve seen the schlew of posts, events & status updates (ours included) filling up your Facebook news feeds daily reminding you to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE for The Nicky Awards. Yes, those shiny little golden statuettes – cheekily dubbed San Diego’s LGBT Oscars – are a coveted lot by the local Gay Glitterati. And rightfully so, because for at least one night, almost every business, service, person and place in the gayborhood gets their due 15 minutes that will forever be etched in the archives of San Diego’s LGBT history…and, thanks to Al Gore, cyber space.
The oldest and longest running gay-specific awards program in the US, The Nicky Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of LGBTs in America’s Finest City. And, while some may lament it’s merely a popularity contest, I say, “what’s wrong with that?” Honoring those who stand out as ‘outstanding’ in our community is just as much about praise as it is popularity. And, unless you’re the Mean Girls, being popular isn’t a bad thing. Chris Shaw, Martini’s Above Fourth, Benny Cartwright, The Center, Mama’s Kitchen, Dreamgirls and Sunday Beer Busts at The Hole are all testaments to that.
So, get your mouse clicking finger stretched, point your browsers to The Nicky’s online ballot and get to voting. Online voting ends Sunday, August 22 at 12 midnight. Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention that our show – and this very site – is nominated for Outstanding Online Media (#44), Ophelia is nominated for Outstanding Impersonator (#10) and Outstanding Titleholder (#45) and I’m nominated for Outstanding Community Volunteer (#31) the same category I was honored to take home the statue for last year. Our very own Producer Bo and The Pride card are nominated in several categories, one of our favorite new restaurants, R Gang Eatery, is nominated in several categories (as is its chef, Rich Sweeney) and a host of other friends, colleagues and fellow LGBTs all equally deserving are nominees. Check the ballot and you’ll see what I mean.
Tickets are still available for purchase online for $50 and $75 or at the Center ($50 GA tickets only.) The red carpet event itself takes place at the San Diego LGBT Community Center on Sunday, August 29. We’ll see you there.
