Announcing the Simcoe County LGBT Community Award Recipients

It is with great honour that we officially announce the Recipients of the first annual Simcoe County LGBT Community Awards! Congratulations to all the Recipients, Nominees, and Founders' Circle - learn more about the Nominees here.

Dale Boyle (center)

Person of the Year - Dale Boyle

Dale Boyle is the Capacity Development Coordinator at the AIDS Committee of Simcoe County. Dale has over four years and 100+ guest speaking roles supporting LGBT work in rural and suburban communities. Previously, he worked as the ACSC’s Youth Programs Coordinator, facilitating youth groups throughout the county. Dale also started the Ally Campaign while a student at Georgian College, which focuses around providing LGBT awareness and education workshops to not for profits, educational institutions, community groups, and more.

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Keegan Hobson (right)

Youth of the Year - Keegan Hobson

Keegan Hobson has called Simcoe County home for almost a decade, in his time here he has provided community outreach for at risk youth with a specific focus on Trans and Queer youth. Following the footsteps of his influences, Keegan spends time volunteering and giving back to the community in a variety of initiatives and areas. Keegan is passionate about indigenous affairs, LGBT rights, mental health advocacy and other issues affecting youth in our community. In pursuing a career in Social Work, he will be attending Georgian College for the Aboriginal social and community development program this coming Fall. Keegan is committed to continuing his fight for the rights and freedoms of the communities he is involved in, as well as other communities, and inspiring others to do the same.

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Gerry Croteau, Executive Director (right)

Positive Community Organization - AIDS Committee of Simcoe County

For twenty years the AIDS Committee of Simcoe County has been improving the lives of those living with and or affected by HIV through our support, advocacy and health promotion.  While always an LGBTQ positive organization, for the past four years the organization began supporting this community more directly by offering LGBTQ specific programming.  At present, ACSC provides LGBT Youth Connection in Barrie and Orillia, Gender Journeys, Gay/Bi Men’s Social Group, the Trans Q Simcoe Support Group as well as providing Capacity Building for organizations that wish to better serve LGBTQ individuals and families in Simcoe and Muskoka.  This fall, ACSC will launch a workshop series in three communities, educating parents on how to support, encourage and celebrate their LGBTQ youth.

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Jodie James, on behalf of Jamie Crouch

Positive Business - Splash Events Canada

Splash Events Canada is a full service event company producing unique weddings, memorable galas, corporate and private celebrations.

As an avid supporter of the LGBT community Splash Events Canada was a proud sponsor of Simcoe Prides’ participation during the 2014 World Pride Parade.

The past 3 years at Splash Events Canada have been fabulous,  we have garnered great success with the Annual BIG WIGS show featuring Canada’s Best Female Impersonators,  Ontario Butter Tart Festival, Georgian Bay Hospital GALA and the 2nd Annual Ontario Gay Ski Weekend at Blue Mountain, it was an honour to décor the Village Convention Centre during the Saturday night main event.  

Opening September 2015 Splash Events Canada invites you to visit our new downtown Midland location at 347 King Street, we will offer an event design showroom with a full service retail flower boutique.

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Bryan Byer

Tribute Award: Artist of the Year

Over the years he has been introduced to many talented individuals within the community, and feels extremely blessed to be able to share his talents with individuals inside and outside of the workplace. As a makeup artist and performer he is able to express himself in so many different ways. He's all about self expression and is not being afraid to try new things; he enjoys a challenge and pushing himself to be the best he can be. Bryan always has positive support behind him, and strongly believes that you need to "be the person you want to be not what others want you to be". Bryan work hard to be the best person he can be, no matter where life may take him.

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