The Karen Holmes Flame Award
THE

KAREN
HOLMES

Flame Award

Honoring those who carry a fire within and ignite that same fire in others in support of the transgender community.

Nominate an Advocate
“

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much to create change and ignite hope.

— Karen Kendra Holmes
THE KAREN HOLMES FLAME AWARD

What Is the Flame Award?

The Karen Holmes Flame Award

In an effort to recognize valued advocates who have a fire within and ignite that same fire in others in support of the transgender community and organizations serving the community, Karen Kendra Holmes introduces The Karen Holmes Flame Award.

The flame represents the fire within—the passion, courage, dedication, and commitment that inspire individuals or organizations to advocate for and support the transgender community.

Each year, The Karen Holmes Flame Award will recognize individuals, organizations, and advocates who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and support.

Awards will be presented in one of the following categories:

Individual Advocate

Presented to an individual who receives the most nominations from friends, family, and peers in recognition of their service and dedication to the transgender community.

Workplace Advocate

Presented to an organization that demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting transgender employees through workplace programs, policies, and initiatives that address their needs and concerns.

Community Giving Advocate

Presented to an advocate who has been responsible for generating or securing the largest amount of donations from organizations in support of the transgender community.

How Do I or My Organization Get Nominated?

Individual Nominations

Make sure your friends, family, and peers know about your efforts and contributions in support of the transgender community. Then, ask them to nominate you by sending an email to .

In their nomination, they will be asked to explain why they believe you deserve The Flame Award.

One nomination per email address will be accepted.

The Karen Holmes Flame Award: 2021–2026

A woman with short, lavender-colored hair wearing large, patterned glasses and a black shirt with a white dice pattern standing in front of a wooden wall.

2021 - Rebecca Oxley

Two women standing together at an event, one is holding an award; both are smiling and wearing name tags.

2022 - Kristy Snow

A woman wearing a patterned dress and shiny boots receives an award or a certificate from another woman with a microphone, in an indoor event space. There is a poster with an image of a woman and the words 'A NEE Sip DC Safe Haven' beside them, and a screen in the background displaying 'Special Remarks.'

2023 - Diedre Gray

An elderly woman with curly gray hair sitting outdoors in a garden, wearing a colorful striped dress and looking upwards.

2024 - Miss Major Hogg

Young girl with curly hair holds a glass award with the year 2025 engraved on it, wearing a pastel purple hoodie.

2025 - Maya Staton

Two people, a man and a woman, standing together at an event. The man is holding an award. Behind them is a banner that reads 'Trans Rights Are Human Rights' with the transgender pride flag colors and a cluster of balloons. To their right, a clear podium has a logo that says 'MoCo Pride Center,' and the background has gold star decorations.

2026 MoCo Pride Family Center – CEO Phillip Alexander Downie

Let's Keep the Flame Burning

Nominate today. Recognize tomorrow. Inspire forever.

Together, we can celebrate those who lead with courage, spark change, and uplift the transgender community.

Nominate an Advocate

Know someone making a difference? Nominate them for The Karen Holmes Flame Award.