VCU news

By Cassie Williams Jones

Dorothy Fillmore, associate director of academic operations in the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Psychology in the College of Humanities and Sciences, was honored recently with the 2013 Catalyst Award by ROSMY, an organization working to ensure equal opportunities for success for Virginia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

Fillmore has worked at VCU for more than 26 years and is a member and former co-chair of Equality VCU (formerly the LGBT Subcommittee). On the committee, she has contributed to the university’s five-year diversity plan and other initiatives supporting LGBTQ students, staff and faculty. In the past, she served as a member of Richmond AIDS Ministry’s first care team for persons and families living with HIV/AIDS, as well as on the national board of Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, advocating for full inclusion.

“Many people at VCU do difficult, terrific work with LGBTQ young adults. No one does it alone, so to be singled out is overwhelming,” said Fillmore. “It is an honor to think that I have contributed to ROSMY's mission of supporting and advocating for sexual minority youth.”

Other recipients of this year’s award included the Valentine Richmond History Center and the Congregation Beth Ahabah. Honorees were chosen based on their work in the community to support LGBTQ youth and were recognized at ROSMY’s annual fundraiser, “Springtime: A Jazzy Affair,” on Saturday, April 20, at the Hippodrome Theater.

Founded in 1991, ROSMY continues to be the only organization in Virginia that addresses the unique needs and the healthy social development of LGBTQ youth ages 14-20 by providing weekly support groups, a leadership program and cultural activities.


Subscribe for free to the weekly VCU News email newsletter at http://newsletter.news.vcu.edu/ and receive a selection of stories, videos, photos, news clips and event listings in your inbox every Thursday.