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THE LEGENDS ARCHIVE

The Legends Archive was created to recognize those people who are profoundly shaping the LGBTQ+ community that we live in. Each year at the annual Legends Awards ceremony, The Academy selects one individual who has truly become a Legend.

The Legends Archive Award

The Academy Legends Archive honors someone each year who has become a legend, someone who has drawn the attention of the lights and all those around them. They are asked to contribute a personal artifact that represents the impact they have had on our community to be enshrined in the permanent collection of The Academy Legends Archive.

2026 Legends Archive Inductee: Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
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Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi is a longtime champion of LGBTQ+ rights and a steadfast ally to the San Francisco community. From her earliest days in Congress, she made the fight against HIV/AIDS a defining part of her public service, standing alongside activists and communities devastated by the epidemic. She helped advance landmark legislation protecting LGBTQ+ Americans, from the Ryan White CARE Act to federal hate crimes protections and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” A proud San Franciscan and longtime advocate for the Castro and its community, Pelosi has carried the voices of generations of LGBTQ+ people to the highest levels of government. With courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to equality, Nancy Pelosi has helped shape the history of our community—and her legacy will endure for generations.

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Past Inductees:

2025: Cleve Jones

Cleve Jones is a visionary activist and tireless champion for LGBTQ+ rights. A San Francisco organizer at the forefront of queer liberation, he founded the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, transforming grief into a global movement for awareness and compassion. A long-time leader with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Jones has advanced care, prevention, and support for those affected by HIV/AIDS. He worked alongside legends like Harvey Milk and continues to inspire generations through his memoir, When We Rise. With courage, resilience, and unwavering conviction, Cleve Jones has shaped history—and his impact will resonate for decades.

2024: Donna Sachet

Donna Sachet, revered as the "First Lady of the Castro," is a cherished figure in San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community. Arriving in the late 1980s, she quickly became a beloved icon of the Castro District, renowned for her dazzling performances and tireless activism. Donna has dedicated herself to championing LGBTQ+ rights, raising significant funds for causes like the AIDS Emergency Fund and PRC, and uniting the community through events like her celebrated Songs of the Season. Donna's enduring impact and grace make her a symbol of pride and resilience—a true LEGEND of San Francisco.

 

2023: Peter Berlin

A German-American photographer, artist, filmmaker, clothing designer, and model, Peter Berlin became the embodiment of a sexually expressive San Francisco in the 70s. His two films, Nights in Black Leather and That Boy, helped bring gay male erotic films artistic legitimacy. While he never set out to become an icon, his self portraits drew in onlookers, and his iconic looks continue to inspire a generation of queer men.

 

2022: Graylin Thornton

Named International Mr. Drummer in 1993, Graylin is still the only man of color to ever hold that title. As co-founder of Onyx Northwest, Graylin currently serves as President and Education Coordinator for the organization which represents men of color within the leather lifestyle. As an active member of The Leather Cultural District, a founding national board member of the Leather Leadership Conference, and Selection Committee Member for the Ringold Alley Leather History Walk, Graylin’s impact in the community is widely felt. 

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2021: Dr. Tim Seelig​

Dr. Tim Seelig completed his final season in 2022 as Artistic Director and Conductor of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. He is the Conductor Emeritus of the Turtle Creek Chorale, made his solo recital debut at Carnegie Hall, and conducted there and The Lincoln Center for 25 years.

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2020: Juanita More​

Juanita MORE! For almost three decades, the tireless hostess has blitzed San Francisco with high glamour, drag irreverence, danceable beats, culinary delectables, political activism and her philanthropic heart. Juanita remains a creation of fashion and glamour, generosity and nerve, inspiring those around her to make a positive difference in their lives and in their communities.

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2019: Sister Roma​

For over 30 years, Sister Roma has been one of the most outspoken and highly visible members of the infamous Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Roma is recognized around the globe as an activist, fundraiser, public speaker, Master of Ceremonies, and glamorous clown. She has been on the front lines in the war against HIV and AIDS as an educator, activist and fundraiser helping to raise over $1 million for the LGBTQ global community. 

Join Us on November 22...

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Join us on Sunday, November 22 for an unforgettable evening at the 2026 Legends Awards as we honor Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and celebrate our incredible community honorees. Expect dazzling performances, heartfelt tributes, and plenty of sparkle—hosted by the legendary Sister Roma!

 

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit True North a brand new non profit organization that supports young people by providing social connections and experiences as they enter the queer community.

 

An incredible lineup of special guests, led by Sister Roma and fashion designer Zac Posen, will also include Music Director Russell Deason, Donna Sachet, Honey Davenport, and performances by Eduardo González-Maldonado and Leanne Borghesi.

 

2026 Community Award Honorees:

  • The Exemplar Award: Mark Leno

  • The Diane Jones Solidarity Award: Angel Adeyoha

  • The Architect Award: Gael Lala-Chávez

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Special thanks to Media Sponsor, the San Francisco Bay Times.

The Exemplar Award

The Exemplar Award honors those who set a good example for others in the community and embody values that we can all be inspired by.  These people stand out simply because of who they are, not just because of what they can do or what they have done, but because they inspire others to do better, and be better versions of themselves.

2026 Honoree: Mark Leno
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Past Exemplar Award Honorees
 
  • 2025: Alex U. Inn
  • 2024: Patrick Carney
  • 2023: Terry Asten Bennett
  • 2022: Kochina Rude
  • 2021: Tita Aida
  • 2020: Honey Mahogany

The Diane Jones Solidarity Award

The Diane Jones Solidarity Award celebrates individuals with a profound capacity to embrace the shared humanity among those from diverse backgrounds, seeing the ties that bind us together, strengthening those ties, and reminding us of our common purpose.

2026 Honoree: Angel Adeyoha
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Past Diane Jones Solidarity Award Honorees
 
  • 2025: Suzanne Ford
  • 2024: Dr. Dee Spencer
  • 2023: Carolyn Wysinger
  • 2022: Race Bannon
  • 2021: Leo Herrera
  • 2020: Zie Jennings & Shannon Amitin

The Architect Award

The Architect Award honors those who have been instrumental in creating something that adds to the overall LGBTQ+ community; in recognition of the fact that community doesn't create itself, it relies upon individuals or groups of people to build it—people who are brave enough to imagine something new, and tenacious enough to see it through to completion. 

2026 Honoree: Gael Lala-Chávez
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Past Architect Award Honorees
 
  • 2025: Sara Yergovich & Danielle Thoe
  • 2024: Colm O'Brien
  • 2023: West Walker
  • 2022: J Manuel Carmona, Simón Malvaez, SERGE GAY JR., Elliott C Nathan, & Xtopher J. McCutcheon
  • 2021: Scott Peterson
  • 2020: Manny Yekutiel
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