Darrell Wood Receives 2026 Capital Pride Honors Breaking Barriers: Community Impact Award

Darrell Wood Receives 2026 Capital Pride Honors Breaking Barriers: Community Impact Award
Founder and Executive Director of Cues For Cancer Recognized for Transformative Leadership, Advocacy, and Service to the LGBTQ+ Community

NORFOLK, Va. — Cues For Cancer proudly announces that Founder and Executive Director Darrell Wood has been named the recipient of the 2026 Capital Pride Honors Breaking Barriers: Community Impact Award, one of the organization's highest honors recognizing individuals whose work has created meaningful and lasting impact within the LGBTQ+ community.

Presented as part of the 2026 Capital Pride Honors celebration under the theme "Have the Audacity, In Full Fuchsia," the award recognizes individuals whose leadership has helped eliminate barriers to the social, personal, and professional advancement of LGBTQ+ people while creating significant impact at the local, national, and global levels.

A Norfolk-based nonprofit leader, artist, advocate, and technologist, Wood has dedicated his career to creating spaces where healing, visibility, and belonging can thrive. Through Cues For Cancer, the nonprofit organization he founded to support individuals and families affected by cancer through the performing arts, education, advocacy, and community engagement, he has elevated conversations surrounding survivorship, mental health, and equitable support systems.

His advocacy extends deeply into the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in addressing the unique experiences of queer and gender-diverse individuals navigating cancer diagnoses, treatment, and survivorship. Through partnerships with organizations including Man Up to Cancer's Virginia and Pride Chapters, Wood has helped ensure LGBTQ+ cancer patients and survivors are seen, supported, and empowered throughout their journeys.

"Congratulations on this well-deserved honor," said Robert L. York, Emeritus Council President of Pride365. "Our community is stronger because of your leadership, advocacy, and dedication to uplifting others. We know your impact will continue to inspire future generations as we celebrate Pride's past, present, and future together."

"Darrell has never viewed advocacy as a title. He has viewed it as a responsibility," said Dr. Elissa Peterson, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Cues For Cancer. "Whether supporting individuals impacted by cancer, advancing LGBTQ+ visibility, or building partnerships that strengthen communities, he leads with compassion, courage, and purpose. We are proud to see his work recognized on such a meaningful stage."

Beyond his work with Cues For Cancer, Wood served on the Planning and Logistics Committee for WorldPride Washington, D.C. and currently partners with Pride Barcelona in support of its bid to host WorldPride 2030. He also serves as Director of Membership and Community Engagement for Pride in Federal Service.

An artist, advocate, technologist, and community leader, Wood continues to build bridges across healthcare, the arts, technology, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. He holds a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from Maryville University and is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Walden University.

As one of this year's Capital Pride Heroes and Grand Marshals, Wood will help lead the 51st Capital Pride Parade and participate in Capital Pride Festival events celebrating the resilience, diversity, and progress of LGBTQ+ communities.

About Cues For Cancer
Cues For Cancer is a Norfolk, Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring hope both on stage and off for individuals and families affected by cancer through the power of the performing arts, education, advocacy, and community engagement.

About Capital Pride Alliance
Capital Pride Alliance serves as a catalyst for advocacy, education, community engagement, and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community in the National Capital Region and beyond. Through year-round programming and major Pride events, the organization advances equity, visibility, and inclusion while honoring the history and future of LGBTQ+ communities.

Media Contact
Rishi Sood Board Member, Cues For Cancer Communications & External Relations [email protected]

Darrell Wood Founder & Executive Director Cues For Cancer [email protected]

www.CuesForCancer.com