2017 Spirit of Stonewall Awardees
Every year, San Diego Pride accepts nominations from the community for the annual presentation of the Spirit of Stonewall Awards. The awards recognize individuals or groups who contribute significantly to the LGBT community through their leadership, activism, and fundraising efforts.
Click here for a full list of our awardees.
Spirit of Stonewall Award – Inspirational Couple
Awarded to a couple whose love and commitment embodies the humanity of our community.
2017 Recipients – Ernie Castro and Mike Goupill
In 1987, Mike Goupill and Ernie Castro vowed to do all they could to help those affected by and infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. They have been partners for 42 years and have been legally married for nine years. They have been working in California with community groups such as Being Alive and Fraternity House Inc. since 1990. They have also facilitated support groups for people infected with and affected by AIDS at the Escondido Community Clinic.
In 2012, Mike and Ernie received the AIDS Warrior Award for their work with the AIDS Community in San Diego. They continue to volunteer regularly with Fraternity House Inc., which is a hospice-like home located in Escondido, where low-income men and women disabled by HIV/AIDS receive comprehensive care and services.
Both Mike, a former Fly Test Manager for Grumman Aerospace in New York, and Ernie, a former HIV/AIDS Nurse Educator, are now retired and remain busy as active volunteers at Fraternity House Inc., at Public Access Television by Elders (PACE-TV), and at the House of Puerto Rico in Balboa Park. Ernie’s focus is on education and prevention geared towards staff and patients at the Veterans Hospital, with an emphasis on and involvement in the AIDS Community. He also provides meals and medical supervision at the Fraternity House Inc. homes. Mike is now involved with management and support of residents at Fraternity House Inc. and assists the residents in shopping and transportation.
Chloe Janda is San Diego Pride's Public Relations Manager and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. She oversees the media relations and content creation for Pride's festival and parade, and some events and programs throughout the year. She is also the Public Relations & Communications Coordinator at Brown Marketing Strategies. Outside of Pride, Chloe plays Masters Water Polo, is an avid podcast listener, standup comedy fan, beach lover and social media junkie.
