The GCCR has teamed with the Virginia Historical Society to create the "Guy Kinman Research Award" for the study and documentation of Richmond's GLBT history. A reception in honor of Guy will be held in the GCCR Gallery on Wednesday, October 13th at 6:00 pm. The reception is open to the public.

From the GCCR's website:

In the 1980s, Richmond’s LGBT community was active, but rarely visible to the broader community. In 1987 Guy Kinman, a retired Army chaplain and an out Gay man became Chair of the Richmond Virginia Gay and Lesbian Alliance. He led an effort — The Billboard Project — that made our city understand that we were here, and we were proud.

The Billboard Project had its roots in Lynchburg where activists tried unsuccessfully to rent space for advertising messages promoting the LGBT community, and in Roanoke where it was successful. In 1987, Guy led the effort to raise funds to publish messages around town – most importantly saying “Someone You Know is Gay … Maybe Someone You Love.” Thousands saw this message, and without question hearts were changed.

To read more about the Billboard Project, Guy Kinman, and the research award visit the GCCR's website.