**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**  

Ian L. Haddock, Executive Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, To Be Honored with First-of-its-Kind Award at The Montrose Center’s 2024 Out for Good Gala

Houston, TX – The Normal Anomaly Initiative, one of the nation’s premier nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering the Black Queer+ community, is proud to announce that its Founder and Executive Director, Ian L. Haddock, has been selected as an honoree by The Montrose Center, Houston’s leading LGBTQIA+ non-profit organization, for its premier annual fundraising event, the Out for Good Gala. The event will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis Houston, in celebration of National Coming Out Day and to raise essential funds for comprehensive LGBTQIA+ services.

In recognition of his profound contributions to the well-being of Houston’s LGBTQIA+ community, The Montrose Center will introduce a new award, with Ian being named as its inaugural recipient. This prestigious award acknowledges Ian’s tireless work advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community while championing inclusion and equality through The Normal Anomaly Initiative.

In addition to Ian’s recognition, the 2024 LGBTQIA+ Community Vision Award will be presented to Greg Jeu, publisher of OutSmart Magazine, Houston’s leading LGBTQIA+ publication. The award celebrates his decades of service and commitment to increasing visibility and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the city.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be the first-ever recipient of this award,” said Ian L. Haddock. “The Montrose Center and OutSmart Magazine’s work have been transformative for our community in Houston and beyond, and I am incredibly proud to stand beside them. This recognition is a testament to the power of collective action and I look forward to what we can continue to accomplish together.”

“Both Greg and Ian have substantially increased the visibility of our community and have used their respective platforms to champion issues that are critically important to LGBTQIA+ Houston,” said Avery Belyeu, Chief Executive Officer of The Montrose Center. “We are proud and excited to bring the community together in celebration of their accomplishments.”

The Out for Good Gala serves as The Montrose Center’s top annual fundraising event, with proceeds going toward vital LGBTQIA+ services that promote health, well-being, and empowerment for individuals and families across Houston. The city’s vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community is its strength, and The Normal Anomaly Initiative is proud to contribute to the collective efforts ensuring the well-being, prosperity, and happiness of Queer Texans.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the gala, please visit here.