Distinguished Service Award to Sean Bugg
Presented by GLAA Treasurer Gary Collins
GLAA 39th Anniversary ReceptionWashington Plaza Hotel
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sean Bugg is, in essence, a writer. His pieces and interviews exploring the issues of our times combine accessibility and eloquence. As co-publisher and senior contributing editor of Metro Weekly, he upholds an admirable standard of quality for the magazine—and I don’t just say that because our political vice president is on the masthead.
Prior to his years at Metro Weekly, Sean was a member of ACT-UP and was a leading organizer of the protest events Hands Around the Capitol and Hands Around the White House. He spent several years at Whitman-Walker Clinic, where he spearheaded the Male Sex Industry Project and Gay Men’s Outreach Education to promote healthy, safe sex options in our community.
Later, at the National Society of AIDS Directors, he traveled around the country training public health departments in developing effective HIV prevention programs.
At Metro Weekly, Sean developed a vibrant news section. The expanded opinion section now includes his own weekly commentary. As editorial director, he ensures that stories remain relevant and appealing to the community. He also occasionally serves as a moderator for community discussion forums.
One of Sean’s greatest achievements at the magazine was his creation last year of the Next Generation Awards, whose winners for 2010 will be featured in next week’s issue. The awards honor local LGBT men and women under the age of 30 who are making a difference. They serve as both an honor and an incentive for these young talents to keep up their valued work toward equality for us all.
Previous GLAA honoree Randy Shulman told us, “It was a great honor for me to receive the GLAA Distinguished Service Award, and I will always cherish that. But Sean is every bit as integral to the DNA of Metro Weekly — and the work we do in the community — and it would be an even greater honor for me to see the group honor him.”
Today we are happy to grant Randy’s wish. Sean is a fine example of an editor and publisher who preserves a personal commitment and connection to the community he serves. It is my privilege to present GLAA’s Distinguished Service Award to Sean Bugg.
