Out With Dr. Bill: Stonewall Inn Brick Awards Was Far More than a Celebration

The truly inspiring Jill Osur stands as the driving force behind Teneral Cellars, a woman-owned wine company committed to more than just exceptional wine. With a steadfast policy of donating 10% of its profits to social justice organizations, Teneral Cellars exemplifies Jill's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

Her journey commenced amidst the challenges of 2020, a year marked by global upheaval. Confronting the traditional, male-dominated wine industry, she envisioned a role for herself in effecting change. Thus, Teneral Cellars was born, dedicated to sustainable farming, producing award-winning wines, and most importantly, supporting organizations that empower women and fight for racial justice. Rooted in her Jewish upbringing's values of altruism and "repairing the world," Jill is on a mission to transform the wine industry into a force for good.

The awards themselves were not mere accolades; they were symbols of courage and change. Each one represented a hard-fought battle and the relentless struggle for LGBTQ rights. It was an honor to witness these deserving individuals and organizations being celebrated for their unwavering contributions to our community.

Before parting ways with the celebration, I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the Stonewall Inn and co-founder of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. She eloquently explained her inspiration behind the Stonewall Inn Brick Awards: "We wanted to honor the activists who continue the Stonewall Inn legacy. We believed that paying tribute to the mythical Brick that sparked a revolution and recognizing those who are keeping that fight alive would be a fantastic way to unite the community and amplify their work."

The Stonewall Inn Brick Awards transcended being just an event; it was a powerful declaration, and left me with a renewed sense of purpose and solidarity. It boldly proclaimed that we stand united, resilient, and unyielding in our quest for equality. The bricks of Stonewall, thrown with unwavering determination more than fifty years ago, continued to pave our path forward. Meeting Jill Osur and discovering Teneral Cellars was the cherry on top, leaving me profoundly grateful and fortunate to be part of this ongoing journey.