El Modena Gay-Straight Club Among 18 Honorees

Some are being honored for their efforts to improve the lives of the poor, the homeless, teen parents or minorities. Others are being recognized for their contributions to schools, education, community centers, churches or spiritual tolerance. All will receive awards from the Orange County Human Relations Commission for their efforts in the advancement of human rights at the local level.

But among the 18 groups and individuals being recognized at tonight’s ceremony in Garden Grove, none have been more controversial than the organizers of the Gay-Straight Alliance at El Modena High School in Orange.

It’s been five months since students decided to form the club designed to “raise public awareness and promote tolerance . . . of issues related to sexual orientation and homophobia.” They did that, making national headlines when the district’s school board voted unanimously in December to prevent the students from meeting on campus. A federal judge overruled that decision while the students’ suit is litigated.

Club founder Anthony Colin said the experience has been draining, but creating a place where kids can feel safe, supported and “not exiled by one’s peers” inspires him to continue his fight.

“Once I saw how affected people were around the world, with people calling to tell me that gay youth were taking initiative to do the same thing . . . it’s become a much bigger picture,” Colin said.

Also being honored tonight is the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, for members’ efforts to promote understanding among teachers, students and parents.

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Other honorees are Laura Avella, Jan Billings, Harriet Hermann and Rose Molina for promoting positive programs in Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Fullerton and Huntington Beach schools. Frank Benest and Joseph P. Doyle will be honored for helping to increase affordable housing in Brea and Newport Beach.

Adell Colombini and Ellen Gilchrist will receive awards for their efforts to feed and support the poor. Jim Carson and Charlene Hatakeyama-Lim will be honored for their dedication to programs for teen parents and other at-risk youth.

Daniel Do-Kanh will be recognized for his mediation efforts during last year’s anti-communist protests in Little Saigon. Magdy Eletreby and Shabbir Mansuri are being honored for fostering understanding between Muslims and Christians.

Irene Martinez will receive an award for her efforts in the development of Delhi Park and its planned community center in Santa Ana, and Andy Youngquist for his efforts to end labor abuse in the construction industry.