Columbus REALTORS® is honoring Rupert "Twink" Starr with its 2021 Citizen of the Year award for his exemplary business experience, conduct, civic activity and industry involvement.
Not only is Twink the recipient, the award itself was renamed this year as the Rupert “Twink” Starr Citizen of the Year Award to honor his service to the country, advocacy work in the LGBTQ community and his commitment to the real estate industry.
A REALTOR® in 1950, Twink served as President of the Association in 1973 and is a Columbus REALTORS® 25-Year Member honoree. He is also a World War II recipient of the Bronze Star for heroism and is a 1946 graduate of Ohio University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Twink’s long and successful career in real estate began under the tutelage of John Galbreath, and throughout his career he has served in senior advisory positions with numerous businesses and civic organizations in Columbus, including the Log Cabin Republicans. He is also a long-time member of the First Congregational Church UCC Columbus.
It wasn’t until his military service — this time as an activist against the Pentagon's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" (DADT) policy — did Starr, who is gay, slowly step out of the closet appearing in the documentary “Courage Under Fire” – a film by Patrick Sammon that would advocate powerfully and effectively for the repeal of DADT.
And for his activism and dedication to his country, “Twink” was honored in 2008 to serve as the Grand Marshall of the Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade. He remains today a dynamic and inspiring force in the Columbus LGBTQ community and serves as a role model for new generations of LGBTQ young people.
In one of his many interviews, Twink is quoted as saying to his mother after returning safely home from war, “Every day from now on is a free day, and I am going to do something worthwhile, accomplish something… every day. Every single day.”
In looking back at his illustrious real estate career and his activist work in the LGBTQ community, Twink made good on that pledge.
Due to COVID restrictions and the cancellation of this year’s awards luncheon, Starr will be formally recognized at our annual Awards Gala in December.
Twink was also named 'Veteran of the Day' on 6/22/21 andthis blog postprovides more interesting details of this military experience and activism activities.
Columbus REALTORS® is comprised of over 9,500 real estate professionals engaged in residential sales and leasing, commercial sales and leasing, property management, appraisal, consultation, real estate syndication, land development and more.
