I have come to learn that every organization has it’s own way to honor their members that have done something special for the benefit of the group or an individual. The St. Louis Gender Foundation is no different. We have a tradition every year at our May Awards Banquet dinner to honor and thank those special members that have, in one form or another, gone out of their way to contribute their support to StLGF and /or the TG community.

StLGF is constantly receiving new members each year and sadly some of the senior members pass on or move on to other ventures. With this change in membership the new members have little to no idea about the history of the awards, nor the members for which they are named. We have at this time three categories that we award members for their services.

The Jennifer Richards Award

This award is for excellence in leadership. This award was established to honor a member who demonstrates outstanding leadership with the Gender Community. It is named in honor of one of our past president and past vice president Jennifer Richards. She worked diligently to support the TG community. She volunteered her efforts to help create M.A.G.G.I.E. (Mid American Gender Group Information Exchange). In 1983 Jennifer co-produced one of the major West Coast TG events..”Dream 83". She also did a cable TV show in Portland Oregon as Fairy Tyler Moore. She served the national community as vice chair of the Congress of Transgender Organization from 1993 to 1994. In my earlier years as a new member I came to know Jennifer as a friend and great supporter of this organization. She joined StLGF in 1987 and remained a loyal member until she passed away in December 22, 1995.

Ms Jennifer Richards will never be forgotten.

The Sherry Enteman Award

This award was established to honor a member who exemplifies outstanding service to the St. Louis Gender Foundation. It is named in honor of our founder Ms Sherry Enteman. Originally StLGF was Paradise West (there was a Paradise East). Ms Enteman was very active in the Paradise organization and would start hosting small group meetings in her home. She keep this going until the numbers of people started increasing. Then there was a need to meet at one of the local hotels. Ms Enteman remaineda member as our group began to “organize”. Officers and committees were formed and Paradise West was an established group. Later in the years Paradise West dissolved and turned into St. Louis Gateway Femmes. Ms Enteman still remained an active supporter and adviser.

In the 1990’s we went through another name change to the present St. Louis Gender Foundation. Because of poor health Ms Enteman hasn’t been as active but makes meetings and outings when ever possible. And she still is willing to help in any way possible.

Ms Sherry Enteman we thank you.

The Jayme Edwards Award

This award was established to honor a member of many years of loyal service and commitment beyond the norm to St. Louis Gender Foundation. Ms Edwards has been a member of StLGF for almost 20 years. At one time she has held every office on the board from Secretary to President. Now she is currently an Adviser to the officers. She also holds the position as Historian and StLGF Photographer. Ms Edwards and her spouse has put countless number of hours and energy and sometimes their own personal funds to support and keep this organization alive. I guess I could say Ms Edwards has devoted her life to this group. This is one special lady.

Ms Jayme Edwards I thank you from the bottom of my heart.