We are proud to introduce an update to the Doug Noffsinger Straight Ally Award, now renamed the Doug Noffsinger Solidarity Award. This change honors the many allies in our community who support LGBTQ+ individuals, reflecting both the original spirit of the award and expanding its recognition to a broader group.
This year, we’re excited to present the Doug Noffsinger Solidarity Award to Adiba Nelson, a writer from Tucson, Arizona. Adiba is a dedicated advocate for disability rights and the LGBTQ+ community, writing about inclusion and her life as a Black mother and daughter. She authored the memoir Ain’t That A Mother, praised by Essence, Bustle, Ms. Magazine, and Shondaland, and is the subject of the Emmy-winning documentary The Full Nelson. Adiba is also a disability rights activist, literary activist, executive producer, creative consultant, freelance journalist, and semi-retired burlesque performer.
In 2013, she self-published her first children’s book, Meet ClaraBelle Blue, which has sold over 7,000 copies in 20 countries. She gave a TEDx talk in 2017 and has contributed to Arizona Public Media. Her next children’s books, Oshun & Me (coming January 2025) and Hazel’s Best Day! (Summer 2026), continue to explore themes of inclusion and accessibility.
Adiba Nelson exemplifies thoughtful and impactful solidarity. While leading work on disability rights, Adiba opened doors for Tucson’s trans community and other LGBTQ+ groups and actively sought ways to support, elevate, and create needed spaces and opportunities where they previously did not exist. Her dedication serves as a model for us all, demonstrating how to act in the interest of multiple communities.
Join us in celebrating Adiba Nelson’s remarkable contributions and the expanded legacy of Doug Noffsinger at Queer for Good. Purchase tickets here.