Leadership in campus LGBT-related or other organizations and programs.
The award (s) recognizes individuals at Emory University who have made significant contributions and improvements at Emory University in one or more areas of: The Berl Boykin Fierce Leadership Award winner will have demonstrated contributions that resulted in the creation or improvement of an inclusive, respectful, and safe climate for the LGBT community and their allies thereby furthering the mission of the Office of LGBT Life, and promoting acceptance, equality, and diversity in the Emory University community. The Berl Boykin Fierce Leadership Award comes with a $3000 prize and honors an Emory student who has made meaningful contributions to Emory’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community throughout the past year through their leadership on or off campus. Berl’s work helped make the work of fellow LGBTQ activists possible, and he remained active in civil rights causes until his death in 2018. As a formative leader in the LGBTQ civil rights movement, Berl was a founder of the Georgia Gay Liberation Front and of Atlanta Pride. While this ended Berl’s collegiate career, it inspired his commitment to the advancement and protection of LGBTQ people at Emory and in Atlanta. While an undergraduate at Emory in 1963, Berl was found with another man in his dormitory room by a dormitory counselor and was immediately expelled from Emory and given 48 hours to move out of his residence hall. This award is named in honor of the fierce leadership of former Emory University student Berl Boykin. Winners are announced at the annual Pride Awards. Recipients are chosen by the Office of LGBT Life Advisory Committee.
contact information for both the nominee and the nominator.
a description of how the nominee has fulfilled one or more of the core activities above.
Nominations are accepted via online form found at the Office of LGBT Life website.
volunteer service to LGBT people through community activism and advocacy mentoring, outreach, and role-modeling for other LGBT and non-LGBT people with the aim of fostering understanding and support for the LGBT communityĪny member of the Emory community may nominate a candidate for the Chesnut Award.
distinguished achievement in business, the arts, the professions, government, or education that specifically benefits the LGBT community.
demonstrated leadership in an organization, program, project, or other effort that advances equity and awareness of the LGBT community.
extraordinary contributions made through a special initiative or project that benefits LGBT people.
outstanding service to the LGBT community through participation in a volunteer organization.
Recipients are selected based on one or more of the following: University students, faculty, staff, and alumni (including graduates working beyond the campus) are eligible. Established in 2007 by the President’s Commission on Sexuality, Gender Diversity, and Queer Equality (formerly the President's Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns), this annual award recognizes a member of Emory University’s LGBT community.