Business Person
Justin Ziegler (Common Ground Real Estate)
It was a close call, but Common Ground Real Estate President Justin Ziegler (www.commongroundrealestate.com) came out on top as your favorite business person. Common Ground boasts a roster of 20 full-time realtors under Ziegler.
James Menge of Bulldog Custom Leathers (www.bulldogcustomleathers.com) came in second and Shelly Jackson of Auto Innovations (www.autoinnovationsinc.com) ended up in third.
Party Promoter
Jami and Jennifer Maguire
My Sister’s Room (MSR) owners Jami and Jennifer Maguire (www.mysistersroom.com) know how to get a party jumping, and the community agreed, naming them the best party promoters. Looks like MSR’s move to Midtown in 2015 is paying off for the couple.
Coming in second behind the Maguires was talented multi-hyphenate Barry Brandon (www.facebook.com/BarryBrandon), followed by marketing and events maestro Bill Kaelin (www.billkaelin.com).
Politician
Jon Ossoff
The Democratic hopeful came up short in the 6th Congressional District race, but Jon Ossoff (www.electjon.com) won y’all over with his pro-LGBT views and appearances at multiple community events.
A pair of Atlanta mayoral candidates followed Ossoff, with Atlanta City Councilwoman Mary Norwood (www.marynorwood.com) coming in second and former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard (www.cathyforatlanta.com) coming in third.
Activist
Jeff Graham
Jeff Graham (www.georgiaequality.org) is a perennial finalist in this category, and for good reason. The Georgia Equality executive director has led the fight against numerous anti-LGBT so-called “religious freedom” bills.
The Counter Narrative Project’s Charles Stephens (www.thecounternarrative.org) came in second, educator, artist and author Tim’m West (www.timmwest.bandcamp.com) came in third and Cole Thomas (www.facebook.com/VColeEThomas) came in fourth.
Up-and-Coming LGBT Youth
Keith Xavier Harding
Keith Xavier Harding (www.thrivingheart.com/keith-harding) wins in this brand-new category, and readers clearly had reason to be impressed with the 18-year-old. He got his bachelors degree at 15, his masters at 17 and he’s now counseling LGBT youth at Thriving Heart Healing Arts Association.
Republican student leader Avery Anderson (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010354755169) came in second and entertainer Victoria Vain (www.facebook.com/victoria.vain.39) came in third.