The Philadelphia Gay News hosted the 2025 Stonewall Awards on Sunday, June 1, at the Arts Ballroom in Center City Philadelphia. The awards recognize the achievements of people and organizations who’ve made a profound impact on the lives of the LGBTQIA+ community in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. The event was emceed by WPVI Channel 6 Meteorologist Adam Joseph.
This year’s honorees represent a wide variety of backgrounds in business, government, sports and activism.
According to Philadelphia Gay News Owner and Publisher Mark Segal, they embody the highest qualities of leadership, ingenuity and creativity and pledge a fierce dedication to improving the lives of others.
The 2025 Stonewall Award categories and recipients are listed below.
- Visibility Award – Bruce Vilanch
- Community Unity Organization Award – Stonewall Sports
- Business Leadership Award – Zach Wilcha
- LGBTQ+ Empowerment Award – Jacen Bowman
- Legacy Award – Casey Cook
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Heshie Zinman
- Equality in Government Award – Ashleigh Strange
- Pioneering Ally Award – PA State Senator Sharif Street
Owner and Publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News and author Mark Segal
Segal spoke about the initial launch of the Stonewall Awards in 2022 and how sponsoring community events helps expand reach while creating lasting, meaningful connections. “We launched our first event three years ago, centered around Pride Month,” he said. “We partnered with our local TV station to live stream it, and it brought together community leaders, elected officials, and corporate partners. The newspaper issue tied to that event has since become our biggest of the year.”
The paper, which typically runs 20-28 pages in length, ran 72 pages for its Pride issue to accommodate the influx of advertisers showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community. “Everyone from major health systems and professional sports teams to casinos, unions, and beyond took part,” Segal said.
For more details or to view a recording of the ceremony, click on the links below.
Philadelphia Gay News Announces 2025 Stonewall Awardees – Philadelphia Gay News