Two Stonewall Democrats Honored for Work

The local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers announced they would honor local GLBT activists Travis Peterson and Dan Graney at the group's Work Appreciation and Awards Luncheon scheduled for March 27.

Travis Peterson, who will receive the NASW's Lifetime Achievement Award, became the first openly gay social worker in Texas manifested by his opening a private practice in psychotherapy, with a specialty in GLBT issues, in Houston and San Antonio. He has also been a GLBT activist and an educator, providing training and learning opportunities for mental health professionals and the general public. Peterson is a member of the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio and last year was the recipient of the Human Rights Campaign's Chuck Jordan Award for advancing the cause of GLBT equality.

Dan Graney will receive the NASW's Public Citizen Award. Graney is a former co-chair of Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio and long-time GLBT political activist. In June 2008, he was elected President of the Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus. Graney's activism in San Antonio has spanned many organizations including leadership positions with the San Antonio Black Tie Dinner, the Alamo City Men's Chorale, and the San Antonio HIV/AIDS Health Services Planning Council where he currently serves as the Chair of the Comprehensive Planning and Continuum of Care Committee. He has been active in Democratic Party politics for the past 10 years and has been a delegate at every Texas Democratic Convention since 2000.

The NASW will also present awards to Marcia Katz as Social Worker of the Year, Angelica Nanez of UTSA as Social Work Student of the Year and Nancy Martinez of the San Antonio Express-News as Media Person.

NASW San Antonio's Social Work Appreciation & Awards Luncheon on March 27, 2009 from11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. To be held at San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 Old Hwy 90 W. Free for NASW Members and $7 for Non-Members. Silent Auction Beneficiary: San Antonio Food Bank.