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History was made last Saturday when the first-ever Winchester Pride and Inclusion Fest was held on Depot St.

The festival’s primary organizer, ProudTown, wanted to mark the occasion by giving out the first-ever Pride and Inclusion Star Award.

ProudTown co-founder Andi Stephenson explained how and what the award was about near the end of the festival.

“The Pride and Inclusion Star Award was an idea born out of our desire to showcase the efforts of community members and organizations within the Winchester area who promote pride and inclusion daily,” Stephenson said

Stephenson and Tiff Hays, another Proudtown co-founder, solicited the community for nominees and ended up with five individuals and one organization.

In the end, there was one obvious winner, and the person who received the most nominations: Brett Cheuvront.

“This nominee received a significant number of nominations for his work in the community of Winchester. We can’t encompass everything said about Brett Cheuvront or we would be here all day,” Stephenson said. “Brett is an integral part of our community. You can’t be what you can’t see. Brett exemplifies the concept of representation within our community. Brett puts others before himself, and his commitment to embracing and celebrating his community has not only helped break down stereotypes but has also fostered a more inclusive and accepting environment for all.”

“They really made me sound good, didn’t they?” Cheuvront said upon accepting the award. “I just really appreciate them putting this on, and everyone deserves an award for coming today…I’m glad that no one came to protest because it shows that this city is ready for diversion and that Winchester is for everyone.”

The other five nominees were honored at the festival as well.

DAM Holdings’ project administrator, Adam Kidd, was the first nominee recognized.

“Adam Kidd was nominated for a pride and inclusion star by a member of our community, who noted that Adam acted on his own to start a movement in June of 2022 to place LGBTQ+ Pride flags throughout downtown Winchester for the very first time in history,” said Tiff Hays. “In addition to that, Adam has been an integral part of making the Pride and Inclusion Fest a reality, including a donation from his company, DAM Holdings, and we appreciate his continued allyship.”

Mason Rhodus, the proprietor of Mason on Main, was the next nominee recognized.

“Our next nominee, Mason Rhodus, was nominated by a member of our community, who stated that he is a pride and inclusion star who practices inclusion every single day; his actions have allowed people who are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the idea of Pride become vocal advocates of pride and inclusion,” Stephenson said. “Mason’s business, Mason on Main, in the heart of downtown Winchester, provides not only visibility in our community but a safe space for anyone who needs a listening ear and a kind spirit.”

Upon receiving his certificate of recognition, Rhodus had this to say.

“Keep living your truth and live it out loud because it works!” Rhodus said.

The third nominee recognized was Nancy Gift.

“She was nominated by a community member who stated that Nancy is a pride and inclusion star because she acts with marginalized people in mind. Nancy was one of the first people to connect with and uplift ProudTown during its inception. It is because of Nancy that we are able to establish connections within our community that are rooted in the promotion of equity, especially those who need special advocacy,” Hays said.

Tracey Miller, the board president for Leeds Center for the Arts, was the final individual nominee recognized.

“Though not LGBTQ herself, she is a tireless ally. Through Leeds, she has provided a supporting and nurturing home for LGTGQ+ participants, particularly youth. When you walk through the door at Leeds, you know you are loved, cared for and accepted for whoever you are and whomever you love,” Stephenson said.

Miller expressed gratitude for the recognition and the festival itself.

“Having lived here for 28 years, I never thought I’d see it, but thank you to ProudTown and everyone involved to make such a wonderful, beautiful day for everyone,” she said.

The Leeds Center was the only organization recognized as a nominee.

“Leeds Center for the Arts is a safe place for everybody. Tracey Miller and her entire staff ensure that all are welcome and affirmed. They were also brave enough to host the first-ever drag show in Winchester, Kentucky,” Hays said. “There are not many organizations in our town like Leeds Center for the Arts. It is truly a unique place for those searching for those in search of more than just a home for the arts.”

Bo List accepted the certificate of recognition on behalf of Leeds. In his prepared remarks, he said that theater traditionally keeps one light to let folks know they are safe. List reiterated that Leeds will always be safe for anyone who walks through its doors.