2013 Equality Virginia Legands Gala - November 9, 2013

Miles Burcher

Back in 2006 Equality Virginia launched the first annual Legends Gala to honor individuals in the Hampton Roads area who had made a difference in the struggle for equality for all citizens.  The first honoree was my friend  Ann Dearsley Vernon who was chosen for her many years of incredible commitment to the ideals of Civil Rights for all, gay or straight, black or white (in 2001, Ann was awarded the “Unsung Heroes Award” In Greensboro, NC for her role in the 1960’s sit-ins, where she was one of three white University of N.C. students to join the Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins).  Subsequent honorees have included a number of other friends. 2007 honored the late Yvonne Miller who fought for equality starting in segregated schools to the Virginia State Legislature, where she made history as the first African American woman elected to Virginia’s legislature.  2008 saw Claus Ihlemann honored.  Other past nominees are dear friends who have been on the front lines of the battle for LGBT equality in Virginia.  A full list of past honoree can be found here. 

This year's honor is once again a friend: Miles Burcher.  Here's Equality Virginia's overview of Miles' activism:

In his early years, Miles served as President of the “Out and About,” newspaper and thus began his life-long journey of support and advocacy for the Hampton Roads’ LGBT community.  As one of the area’s first couples to marry, he and his husband Gary Brocksmith have never “hidden” their marriage, or their commitment to the equal rights of all. Along the way, they have served as mentors for LGBT youth, and they have made numerous allies while modeling a marriage of two caring and supportive adults.

Miles has led his life as an openly optimistic and caring gay man. Miles co-chaired the first AIDS Walk in 1992, and has been supportive of many LGBT organizations over the years including: Access Aids Care, Candii, Equality Virginia, Hampton Roads Business OutReach (HRBOR), Hampton Roads Legends Gala, and the Norfolk Gay Pride festival.  Through these organizations, he has advocated tirelessly for workplace equality and social justice initiatives.  Miles and Gary have been personally generous to many LGBT organizations through contributions of both time and resources.  In addition, Miles has developed corporate sponsorships for Hampton Roads Business OutReach events, fundraised for the Tidewater AIDS Crisis Task Force (TACT), and developed relationships with local and regional politicians to garner support for LGBT-related issues.

Miles has chosen to work openly throughout his career in automobile sales and management. Though the industry is not especially gay friendly, he succeeded in spite of these challenges. In his management position at Tysinger Mercedes-Benz, Miles has solicited support from the dealership and the Tysinger family for LGBT causes and organizations, and he has set a great example for our generation and future generations to follow.  Miles and his husband Gary will continue to be a positive force in the Hampton Roads community.

In talking to Miles over dinner at our home last week, one thing that became obvious is this: Like the other past honorees, Miles never set out to be a "legend."  He merely lived his life openly and proudly and did what he believed to be the right thing to do.  And by doing the right thing, he some times suffered negative consequences on the job front and in other ways.  But he persevered and never jettisoned his principles or chose to hide who he is.

Tickets are still available and I urge Virginia readers to consider making a trip to Norfolk next weekend.    You can buy tickets HERE.  The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with an elegant dinner for VIP guests, followed by the Legends Reception presented by Decorum Furniture at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $175 for the VIP Dinner and include a complimentary bar and access to the Legends Reception. Tickets to the Legends Reception presented by Decorum Furniture are $50 per person and include: one drink ticket, an array of fine desserts, dancing, and a silent auction. I hope to see you there.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with an elegant dinner for VIP guests, followed by the Legends Reception presented by Decorum Furniture at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $175 for the VIP Dinner and include a complimentary bar and access to the Legends Reception. Tickets to the Legends Reception presented by Decorum Furniture are $50 per person and include: one drink ticket, an array of fine desserts, dancing, and a silent auction. - See more at: http://www.equalityvirginia.org/legends/#sthash.y8Ry0O2A.dpuf

Disclosure: I served on the Legends Committee for 5 years and was event co-chair in 2008. The boyfriend and I are sponsors of this year's event.

segregated schools to the Virginia State Legislature, where she made history as the first African American woman elected to Virginia’s legislature. - See more at: http://www.equalityvirginia.org/legends/past-honorees/#sthash.G6GxICHd.dpuf

Ann Dearsley Vernon was chosen as the 2006 honoree for years of incredible commitment to the ideals of Civil Rights for all. In 2001, Ann was awarded the “Unsung Heroes Award” In Greensboro, NC for her role in the 1960’s sit-ins, where she was one of three white University of N.C. students to join the Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins. - See more at: http://www.equalityvirginia.org/legends/past-honorees/#sthash.G6GxICHd.dpuf

Ann Dearsley Vernon was chosen as the 2006 honoree for years of incredible commitment to the ideals of Civil Rights for all. In 2001, Ann was awarded the “Unsung Heroes Award” In Greensboro, NC for her role in the 1960’s sit-ins, where she was one of three white University of N.C. students to join the Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins. - See more at: http://www.equalityvirginia.org/legends/past-honorees/#sthash.G6GxICHd.dpuf