Meet
the
Board
Russell C. Howard
President
Founding Board Member
He/Him
Russell Howard is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he attended Shelton State Community College and The University of Alabama. Mr. Howard enjoys being an advocate for his community. Currently he serves as a founding board member and President of Druid City Pride, President of The University of Alabama LGBTQ Alumni Association, he is also on the Board of Directors for Five Horizons Health Services, and the Diverse Business Council Steering Committee for The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. Professionally, he is the Office Manager of RealtySouth Tuscaloosa and has been named one of Tuscaloosa’s 40 under Forty Business Professionals by The Tuscaloosa News. Russell was the recipient of Druid City Pride's 2019 Bambi Kira Spirit of Pride Award.
Ed Taylor-White
Vice-President
He/Him
Ed Taylor-White is the Hospitality and Tourism Instructor at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy. He has a passion for hospitality, event planning, and fundraising. He has been an advocate for the LGBT community of West Alabama through various organizations since graduating from The University of Alabama in 2010 with a Bachelors in Human Nutrition.
Margaret Ila Christian
Secretary
She/Her
Originally from Tuscaloosa, Margaret Ila Christian serves as an ally for the LGBTQ+ community and enjoys spending time with her dog, Jelly Bean.
Daylon Miller
Treasurer
He/Him
Bio Coming Soon!
Davis "DJ" Jackson
He/Him
DJ Jackson grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He works professionally as the Undergraduate Scholarship Manager at The University of Alabama. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in American History and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from UA. He currently serves as the Ambassador for Capstone Alliance, UA’s LBGTQ+ faculty, staff, and graduate student association. He is also a founding member of The University of Alabama LGBTQ Alumni Association Chapter.
Kyle Richardson
Founding Board Member
He/Him
Kyle Richardson is the Owner of Icon, Tuscaloosa's only LGBTQ+ bar. He has Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from The University of Alabama. Kyle has lived in Tuscaloosa since 2004 and was the recipient of Druid City Pride's 2020 Clark West & Elliott Mitchell Service Award.
Huey Rudder (Saaphyr Flayme)
He/Him & They/Them (She/Her & They/Them)
Huey is originally from outside of Montgomery, He currently works as the graphic designer for the City of Tuscaloosa. He loves anything creative and is an amateur printmaker, making relief and monoprints in his spare time. He believes strongly in fostering community and advocating for equality and equity. Huey joined the Mystic Krewe of the Druids in 2018 and has served on the board to help raise funding for Five Horizons Health Services (formerly West Alabama AIDS Outreach). He is also a proud plant daddy to a jungle of house plants.
Saaphyr has been around (in some form or fashion) since 2008. She was named by Bambi Kira, her Drag-Nana. She’s the Mistress of Bingo, and loves to interact with the community. She loves to swear, but only in the appropriate places.