Awards Categories

 Below you will find the description of each award. For more on criteria visit the Nomination and Selection page.

Youth of the Year (x 2)
  • A youth who has excelled in improving the lives and visibility of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, especially with regards to youth. The award acknowledges the youth's accomplishments and the contributions they have  made to their communities, whether be it in their homes, schools, athletic or academic teams, or other social groups. This youth is a leader of today who shows a promise for the future, is out, and have made a difference by overcoming obstacles in their own lives, or by working on projects that have benefited  their community.

Business of the Year (x 1)
  • A 2SLGBTQIA+  or allied business that is leading the way with a soaring entrepreneurial spirit; this spirit is demonstrated by the business performance and innovation. The business and their owners must promote equality, above average customer service, and must contribute to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with initiatives throughout the year. The award is open to any size business.

Lifetime Achievement Award (x 1)
  • This award honours the achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ or allied person who has made significant contributions to better the lives of others in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community over an entire career or a lifetime. With 2024 being the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and with many other milestones and occasions being marked, this award can recognize individuals locally and beyond.
Organization of the Year (x 1)
  • A not-for-profit or charity organization operating in Simcoe County that has shown leadership and vision in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This organization may celebrate a milestone or have launched effective programs over the year. Our community is championed by many wonderful and inspiring organizations, and we hope we will get to honour as many of these organizations as we can over the many years to come.

2SLGBTQIA+ Organization of the Year (x1)
  • A 2SLGBTQIA+ led organization operating in Simcoe County.

Person of the Year (x 1)
  • A person who has significantly improved the quality of life in the 2SLGBTQIA+community as well as the broader community. This award recognizes an individual's achievement in furthering the causes important to our community, such as eliminating discrimination, homo/bi/transphobia and advancing civil rights for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in our county, but will also recognize achievements in social justice and humanitarian work.
Community of the Year (x 1)
  • This award recognizes a municipality for displaying the qualities of an ally of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This community honours the lives and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and strives to be a safe and inclusive community. Our communities play a vital role in creating visibility and providing a platform for change, and we hope to recognize them for their tremendous work.
Community Eligibility

​Nominee communities for this award must:
  • Be nominated by an individual or group;
  • Be a proactive community the celebrates diversity;
  • Be recognized as a leader in practice and policy;
  • Have supported Pride through flag raising and/or proclamation.​
Evaluation Criteria for all awards:
  • The nominee fully meets the eligibility criteria/description;
  • The value and rigour of the nominee’s body of work or contributions;
  • The nominee demonstrates commitment to further developing their career or work;
  • Identifies within the 2SLGBTQIA+ / Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) spectrum, or has contributed a significant amount as an ally.

Candidates from anywhere in Ontario will be considered, however, first consideration will be given to candidates from Simcoe County and the immediate areas surrounding.
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Other considerations:
  • Posthumous nominations will be considered for the Lifetime Achievement Award;
  • Previous Nominees will be considered;
  • Previous Recipients cannot be nominated the year immediately following the receipt of their award, but will be considered after. Example: If the Recipient received their award in 2023, they cannot be considered again until 2025.