Awards and Recognition

In the mid-1990's, almost immediately upon arriving in San Francisco, Theresa Sparks began advocating for a variety of issues dealing with civil rights and basic human rights. Because of this visibility, she has had the honor of receiving recognition from numerous community groups and organizations. She was quoted as saying, "Sometimes it strikes me as odd that one individual is singled out as the recipient of these awards because, as we know, no one person can really make a difference without the support of, and collaboration with, many other people. When it comes to civil rights, it truly does "take a village." Here is a list of some of the honors she has received:

2002/4/7 – Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club Community, Leadership & Lifetime Achievement Awards

2003/7 – San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade Honorary Grand Marshal

2003 – California State Legislature Woman of the Year

2004 – Human Rights Campaign Equality Award

2004 – Horizons Foundation Honor Roll of LGBT Elected and Appointed Officials

2004 – OUT Magazine The OUT 100  LBGT Leaders in the United States

2006 – GO! NYC Magazine 100 Women We Love in the United States

2007 – Bay Area LGBT Rodeo Association Best Buck of the Bay Rodeo Grand Marshal

2007 – A.N.S.W.E.R SF &  Idriss Stelley Foundation Empress of Justice Award

2007 – Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence SF awarded sainthood Saint Dignity And Respect

2008 – Equality California (EQCA) Equality Award

2008 – San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal

2008 – Transgender Law Center Claire Skiffington Vanguard Award