Honoring Excellence in the LGBTQ+ Community, Plus $60,000+ in Grants & Scholarships
AUSTIN, TX — The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2024 Queer Frontier Business of Pride Gala on December 7, a sold-out celebration of excellence and inclusivity with over 450 community leaders, corporate partners, and LGBTQ+ advocates in attendance.
This year’s Gala highlighted outstanding achievements in the LGBTQ+ business community, honored scholarship recipients, and marked an incredible milestone for supporting small businesses in the food and beverage industry.
The Chamber proudly recognizes the following businesses and individuals for their contributions to advancing equality, innovation, and inclusion:
- Ceci Gratias Guardian Non-Profit of the Year Award
Texas Health Action - Community Leader of the Year –
Ram Rangel - LGBT-Owned Business of the Year –
OutWellness - Corporate Partner of the Year –
Justworks - Pride in Leadership Award –
Gary Schumann - Pride in Health & Wellness Member of the Year –
Vivent Health - Pride in Government –
Katherine Sobel - Allied Member of the Year –
UFCU - Rising Star –
Justin Wilkins - Creative Arts –
KMFA Classical 89.5 - Small Town Big Pride –
Load Off Fanny’s
$60,000 in Small Business Grants
In partnership with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the Austin LGBT Chamber awarded $60,000 in grants to small LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses in the food and beverage industry via the NGLCC Community Development Grant made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund. These grants provide critical resources to help businesses thrive and expand their impact in our community.
Austin’s 2024 grant recipients were Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, Gina’s on Congress, Gràcia Mediterranean, El Raval, B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub at Mueller, The Iron Bear, The Austin Eagle, Load Off Fanny’s, Best Little Wine & Books, Barbs B Q, Fukumoto, Pelons Tex Mex, Drinks Lounge, and The Cavalier.
“I love when a plan comes together in partnership, that enables us to provide real and meaningful impact for our members,” said Membership Operations Manager Amy Clunie. “These restaurant leaders stretch from Austin to Lockhart, and are not only putting in the work to provide an incredible dining experience, but also safe and welcoming spaces where all of the community can gather at their table.”
Education Fund Scholarships
The Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund awarded three $2,500 scholarships to exceptional LGBTQ+ students and allies pursuing higher education in Texas. This year’s scholarship recipients are:
- Elijah Guerrero
- Xy Hawkins
- Janna Belcher
These scholarships reflect the Chamber’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
A Night of Impact and Celebration
“The Queer Frontier Gala was more than a celebration — it was a testament to the power of community,” said Tina Cannon, CEO of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “From honoring our award winners to supporting small LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses and students, the evening demonstrated what’s possible when we work together to create opportunities for all.”
The Chamber extends its gratitude to the sponsors, attendees, and volunteers who made this unforgettable evening possible. Together, we continue to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Event Sponsors
Title Sponsor – PMI; Table Sponsors – Latham & Watkins, Ally Medical, Dell, SXSW, UFCU, Texas Health Action, Visit Austin, A+ Federal Credit Union, COA, Austin Energy, Savrick Schumann, Austin Transit partnership, Q2, Creative Action, Dozanu Innovations, PNC Bank, Sleep Cycle, NGLCC, Agency Initiative, H-E-B, Google, Aids Healthcare Foundation, aGLIFF, Texas Mutual, and Visa; Award Sponsors – Justworks, Avita Pharmacy, CapMetro, and Austin Regional Clinic; In-kind Sponsors – Cicada Lighting, Canopy Hilton, and Misc Rentals. Special thanks to HEB, Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Twin Liquors!
About the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1997, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce promotes equality and diversity in the workplace by supporting LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, nonprofits, and professionals. The Chamber hosts over 70 events annually, offering networking, advocacy, and business growth opportunities for their members.