The 13th Annual INSPIRE Awards returns with an unforgettable evening honouring 32 exceptional individuals, businesses, and organizations making a difference in the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. This year’s celebration will take place at the stunning St. James Cathedral (106 King Street E) on May 31, 2025 highlighting a powerful lineup of changemakers from across the country. As one of the most beloved events in the community calendar, INSPIRE Awards shines a light on the heart and soul of 2SLGBTQIA+ leadership.

The top awards will go to Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow , MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, TD’s National VP and Head
of 2SLGBTQ+ and Black Segment, Al Ramsay, hockey executive and LGBTQ+ inclusivity advocate Brian Burke, and multi-JUNO Award-winning music icon Simone Denny. They are joined by 27 inspiring honourees, including youth, community leaders, businesses, and grassroots organizations, each being celebrated for their courage, impact, and dedication to creating a more inclusive Canada.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception for honourees, followed by the award ceremony at 7:00 PM, hosted by beloved choreographer and TV personality Hollywood Jade, and much loved comedian and community host Deb Pearce. The celebration continues with an after-ceremony reception hosted by drag king and community icon Manny Dingo, featuring live entertainment from Mandy Goodhandy, Sherry Sylvain, and Selena Carlson.

INSPIRE Awards was created in 2011 to celebrate the positive work of those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in the Greater Toronto and surrounding Areas. Since then, it has presented almost 300 awards to honour the most inspiring individuals, youth, businesses and community organizations who are making positive impacts in their neighbourhoods and communities.

“INSPIRE Awards exists to uplift community,” says Antoine Elhashem, President and chair of the board of directors of INSPIRE Awards. “When we celebrate people doing incredible work, especially in a time when our community continues to face threats and pushback, we send a clear message: you are seen, you are valued, and your impact matters. These honourees represent the very best of who we are.”

Founded as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the spirit and resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, INSPIRE Awards has built a legacy of recognition and storytelling. Past recipients include K.D, Lang, Carole Pope, Rick Mercer, Peaches, the cast of Schitt’s Creek, and hundreds of grassroots heroes and community builders.

“This isn’t just about handing out trophies—it’s about building each other up,” says Elhashem. “We honour those who fight for us, stand with us, and remind us of our power. Joy is resistance. Celebration is fuel.”
The 13th Annual INSPIRE Awards is ticketed event, open to the public, and welcomes people of all ages. Come early, stay late, and be part of a night that uplifts, honours, and inspires.

INSPIRE Awards Categories are: International Icon Award; Lifetime Achievement Award; Person of the Year; Youth of the Year; Positive Business of the Year; Inspiring Community Organization of the Year; Lux Award for the Arts; Charles Roy Award for Activism in HIV/AIDS, and the Accenture Innovator of the Year Award.

Click here for a list this year’s  nominees and recipients.

INSPIRE Awards – Sat May 31, 2025 – St. James Cathedral, 106 King Street E, Toronto

Tickets

The awards are presented by Pride Toronto, The Pink Pages Directory, Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), Rainbow Railroad, Fife House, Ontario Queer Chamber of Commerce (OQCC), Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAAP), and the Toronto Trans Alliance.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.