The Prism Changemaker Award
The Prism Changemaker Award is an opportunity to celebrate individuals making significant strides in advocating for and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. This award recognizes trailblazers who have shown exceptional commitment, creativity, and courage in their efforts to promote equality, understanding, and inclusivity in southwest Alabama.
Rev. Dave Chatel (he/him)
Prism Changemaker 2025
Rev. Dave Chatel is an Episcopal priest serving St. Paul’s Chapel in Magnolia Springs, as well as a writer, speaker, contemplative mystic, and human rights activist. He has consistently used his voice to challenge homophobia and transphobia, advocate for LGBTQ+ people, and speak out against harmful legislation. Dave was also one of the first pastors to join Prism’s Affirming Spiritual Communities Coalition (ASCC) and helped lead the drafting of its public statement, which brought together more than 15 religious leaders and congregations in a public show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Lydia Shantazio (she/her)
Prism Changemaker 2024
For 18 years, Lydia Shantazio has been a pillar at Davidson High School, where her compassion and commitment to her students have made a lasting impact. A National Board Certified Teacher and the 2020 DHS Teacher of the Year, Lydia brings a deep commitment to creating classrooms where students feel understood, supported, and empowered. As the GSA sponsor at Davidson, she has gone beyond the classroom to create a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ teens.
Tiffany Trotter (she/her)
Prism Changemaker 2023
We met Tiffany at a Prism Teens gathering after she co-founded the Gay Straight Alliance at Murphy High School. In the years since, we’ve watched her emerge as a natural leader and powerhouse of the community, organizing the George Floyd protest in Mobile, raising visibility in the Who We Are Campaign, organizing a mutual aid fund during the first two summers of the pandemic, and serving as project manager of the southwest Alabama Inclusion Project.
Alysandria Embergale (fae/she)
Prism Changemaker 2022
Aly’s contribution to the local LGBTQ+ community has been immeasurable. In 2021, fae organized the Gulf Coast Trans Beach Vacation, an experience that one attendee described as “life-changing.” Aly was the chief architect of Trans·Lucent, the first-ever city-sponsored trans pride event in the history of Mobile. She’s served as staff and on the board of Rainbow Pride of Mobile. And she brought one of the sharpest analytical minds we’ve ever had to the Prism board during her tenure as Records Officer.
Maxwell Kuzma (he/him)
Prism Changemaker 2021
At the beginning of September 2021, Max began working on the Who We Are Campaign, a docuseries featuring the stories of LGBTQ+ youth across Mobile and Baldwin counties. The campaign videos received over 20,000 views online. He has written about his experiences of coming out as transgender and embracing an LGBTQ-affirming vision of his Catholic faith for the National Catholic Reporter, New Ways Ministry, and Outreach (all of which can be read on the Published Works page of this website).
The Prism Guardian Award
An award to an exceptional parent for their powerful support and advocacy, not only of their child, but of the broader community of LGBTQ+ youth in southwest Alabama.
Savanna Parker (she/her)
Prism Guardian 2025
Savanna Parker is a parent of two Prism youth whose compassion and steady presence have made a meaningful impact on families throughout our community. Through Prism Parents, she has offered encouragement and support to other parents navigating what it means to raise queer kids in Lower Alabama. Her care extends beyond her own family, including providing safety, stability, and belonging to a trans teen in crisis who needed a trusted adult to stand beside them. Savanna embodies the life-affirming power of a supportive parent and the care that the Prism Guardian Award exists to celebrate.
Denny Ham (he/him)
Prism Guardian 2024
Since 2019, Denny Ham and his family have been an integral part of Prism, bringing joy, love, and unwavering support to our programs. As a Prism Families Facilitator, Denny has warmly welcomed new parents, supported program leads, and brought a thoughtful and caring presence to every gathering. His fierce advocacy and compassionate leadership extend beyond his own family, making him a steadfast source of support for LGBTQ+ youth and their families throughout our community.
Brooke Thistlethwaite (she/her)
Prism Guardian 2023
Brooke has stood out to us not only as a fiercely loving and dedicated parent but as someone willing to contribute her time and energy to support LGBTQ+ youth. She has been on the decor team at our major events, has tabled for us at outreach opportunities, and has been a voice of wisdom and compassion at our Prism Families gatherings.
The Prism Beacon Award
An award recognizing organizations, businesses, and community partners that serve as guiding lights for LGBTQ+ inclusion, creating spaces where LGBTQ+ youth, families, and community members feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
The Haunted Book Shop
Prism Beacon 2025
The Haunted Book Shop, owned by Angela Trigg, has been a steadfast supporter of Prism and a welcoming presence for LGBTQ+ people in Mobile. From sponsoring events and supporting youth programming to serving as a PLAN Partner, Angela and her team consistently demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through meaningful action. Inside their doors, they intentionally uplift LGBTQ+ stories and create a space where young people and families can see themselves reflected and feel welcome. We are grateful for the generosity, creativity, and care Angela and The Haunted Book Shop bring to our community.