Title
To Recognize the leadership and outreach of Columbus Young Professional Andrew Levitt as the recipient of the Create Columbus Commission Visionary Award
Body
WHEREAS, Andrew Levitt began performing in drag after graduating from Denison University in central Ohio. Today, under the stage name Nina West, Levitt does shows in Columbus and he aims to be entertaining and to serve as an LGBT activist when he’s onstage; and
WHEREAS, Andrew and his alter ego Nina are pillars of leadership and progress in the LGBTQ and straight communities of Columbus. Nina West has become an unofficial champion of small business and social entrepreneurs; and
WHEREAS, Andrew works through Nina as an advocate for social awareness. He is a co-founder of Project Zero Columbus, which is a nonprofit that raises money to provide standard care for people with HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, Nina West has helped to raise more than $700,000 for various charities and been the host of several events in the effort to raise awareness about LGBTQ issues as well as issues of public safety and support of the arts; and
WHEREAS, In the aftermath of hate crimes against gay men in Columbus, Andrew organized Wear Pink Fridays to generate support for the LGBTQ community; his efforts produced solidarity internationally and the Wear Pink Friday’s initiative continues to grow; and
WHEREAS, Andrew and Nina have become leaders in the both the LGBTQ and straight communities who have helped bridge understanding and healthy dialogue on social issues. His and her commitment to performance and openness has created a vision of inclusion and sincerity throughout the Columbus community; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby declare the distinguished, Andrew Levitt, be praised and recognized for his leadership and activism for the LGBTQ community and for the Columbus Community.