Ellen Braun, the longtime manager of Chumley’s bar in State College, was recently named 2024 Person of the Year by Centre LGBT+ .
Braun received the award at the organization’s fourth annual Gayla fundraiser in January, where she was recognized as “an ally actively pursuing a welcoming society for the benefit of the LGBT+ community,” according to a news release.
“Ellen has been a steady and powerful ally within the community for over 30 years accounting for true acceptance in action,” Centre LGBT+ wrote. “She has provided not only her own voice and actions for the benefit of the LGBT+ community but also the establishment of a welcoming place for all.”
Since beginning her work at Chumley’s, 108 W. College Ave., in 1992, Braun has helped to create flourishing space in downtown State College for all who identify within the LGBT+ community. The 1984 Penn State graduate “has relentlessly given support to Centre LGBT+” and her work to make Chumley’s a welcoming place made it part of a unified network for all in the local LGBT+ community, according to the organization.
Braun called it the “privilege of a lifetime to be involved with the community that has made my life richer and full.”
“I’m very thankful and humbled to receive this award and be in good company with previous awardees Kevin Kassab and Elaine Wilgus,“ Braun said.
“Ellen is someone we call a true ally in action,” Centre LGBT+ wrote. “For over these 30 years it’s the actions of creating a welcoming space for all which awards her this honor. For these decades and decades to come is why Centre LGBT+ has and continues to thank Ellen Braun for her dedicated work in creating positive and accepting spaces in Centre County.”
