KRBE's Kevin "Special K" England is known for his lively morning show personality and pranks. But Monday night, he got a little emotional.

England was teary-eyed when accepting the FACE Award for top male on-air personality. He thanked his partner of 13 years, Brian Bartlett; his KRBE (104.1 FM) family and Houston's LGBT community for setting a good example.

The inaugural FACE Awards -- First Achievers in Community Excellence -- is the brainchild of Cade Michals, publisher of AbOut, a biweekly magazine aimed at the LGBT community. Former ABC weatherman Ed Brandon hosted the proceedings, and presenters including "The Bachelor"/"Bachelor Pad" star Erica Rose, Emmy-winning PBS host Ernie Manouse, local fashion guru Todd Ramos and celebrity makeup artist Edward Sanchez.

More than 3,000 votes were cast in several categories, and the winners were announced Monday inside a packed F Bar in Montrose. Guests were treated to fierce drag performance from favorites Kara Dion, Kofi and Violet S'Arbleu. Performer Tye Blue also crooned original "A Song from Heaven Down to Earth" (backed by a lip-syncing drag chorus).

"It is important that we all take a position on things that affect our lives and fight for them," said Lane Lewis, who won top male community activist. "As the saying goes, if you do not stand for something, then you will fall for anything."

Winners in select categories

Top Male Fundraiser: Gary Wood

Top Drag Performer: Kara Dion

Top Male Entertainer: Tye Blue

Top Female Entertainer: Wendy Taylor

Top Male LGBT Business Person: Irwin Palchick (F Bar)

Top Female LGBT Business Person: Laura Villagran (Gay Yellow Pages)

Top Community Event To Attend: Bunnies on the Bayou

Best Male Bartender: Kory Poole at F Bar

Best Place to go on a Monday Night: TC’s Show Bar

LGBT Community HERO Male: Gary Wood

Top LGBT Male DJ: Chris Allen

Top LGBT Female DJ: Melle Mell

Top DJ for Special Events: Elle Morgan

Top Male On-Air Personality: Special K

Top Female On-Air Personality: Roula of KRBE

Top Female Karaoke Host: Nina Lombardo

Top Male Artist: John Palmer

Top Female Artist: Crystal Murley

Top Female Journalist: Nancy Ford

Top Male Journalist: Joey Guerra

Top Male Community Activist: Lane Lewis

Top Female Community Activist: Pastor Luna N. Groen