When pride was hosted in 2014, a good friend of mine and PFLAG mom, Grace Rogers mentioned that pride day happened to fall on her late sons birthday. I had wanted to dedicate an award for some time to local activist in West Texas. I believe so much work goes unnoticed and that while we live in a state known for discrimination and hate, there were many people working to break that stigma. Grace and her husband Tom are two of the most incredible people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. They come to every pride fundraiser they can, speak at Texas Tech and South Plains College, and are active in Lubbock PFLAG chapter. Grace also is an active contributor to the AJ on political topics. The Rogers have done so much for Lubbock and so I decided to dedicate this award to Michael their son, who was a handsome, smart, strong gay man. This award will live on in your memory.

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The below statement was written by Grace Rogers, who was also the first recipient of Michaels award. 

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Biography

 

"Michael Paul Rogers was the eldest son of Thomas and Grace Rogers.  Paul was born in Lubbock and graduated from Coronado High School.  He then went to Abilene Christian University, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and later attended graduate schools in Dallas and Malibu, CA.   Afterward, Paul moved to New York City and worked there for the law firm of Chadbourne and Parke.  Paul died of AIDS related respiratory failure in 1999 at the age of 39,  and had a  memorial service in Taos, NM, the home of his heart.   His ashes reside in the Angostura Meadow, high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico, which he loved from his boyhood.   

 

Paul was a handsome gay man who left behind a legacy of laughter and tears;  of tenderness of heart and delightful wit;  of impeccable good taste;  and of living and dying on his own terms.  He loved life, particularly fun nights out with friends, little children, and his miniature dachshund, Lady.  He enjoyed traveling, reading and movies.  Paul is survived by his parents, Tom and Grace, his close sister, Sarah Colwell, and his two younger brothers, Joel and Mark Rogers.  He had a long time partner, Phillip Adams, who now resides in Melbourne, Australia.

 

 

Paul would be humbled and honored to have this LGBTQ  Activist award established in his name by Lubbock Pride." 

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