#FIRSTLOOK: PINK TRIANGLE PRESS PINK AWARDS 2026

The third annual Pink Triangle Press Pink Awards brought together 2SLGBTQIA+ changemakers, advocates, artists and allies at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York tonight, for an inspiring celebration of queer excellence, visibility and community impact.

The star-studded show celebrated a remarkable lineup of talent and community leaders, including this year’s five Pink Awards Champions: Bowen Yang, Gigi Gorgeous, Emily Hampshire, Harrison Browne and Peaches; Legacy Award recipient Tim McCaskell; co-hosts Priyanka and Brandon Ash-Mohammed; Pink Carpet host Shannon Burns; musical guests Shawnee Kish and Rêve; and notable attendees including Kathleen Munroe and Myles Sexton.

The evening was filled with memorable moments, kicking off with a high-energy musical opening number from co-hosts Priyanka and Brandon Ash-Mohammed, a heartfelt tribute to Peaches from Elliot Page, and playful comedic sketches from the cast of Crave’s Slo Pitch, who brought their signature humour to the Pink Award’s stage.

A particularly moving highlight came as longtime 2SLGBTQIA+ activist and writer Tim McCaskell received the Legacy Award, reflecting on decades of queer activism and the ongoing fight for equality. Speaking to the importance of continued advocacy, McCaskell remarked, “Since the gaggle of activists marched on Parliament Hill in the historic 1971 ‘We Demand’ demonstration, the law has always played an outsized role in queer politics.”

Reflecting on the evening, David Walberg, executive director and CEO of Pink Triangle Press, shared, “Tonight, we celebrate. We celebrate our community’s achievements, we celebrate our joy, and more than ever, we celebrate our courage. […] Simply being here, together, is a powerful statement of solidarity.”

The gala honoured this year’s Champions for their extraordinary contributions to queer visibility, advocacy and progress. Each Champion and award recipient recognized a Changemaker organization whose work reflects causes and communities meaningful to them, with every recipient receiving a minimum $5,000 donation plus proceeds from ticket sales and the event’s Silent Auction, which included tickets to the invite-only Heated Rivalry Season 2 Toronto premiere, a seven-night small-ship cruise for two with Variety Cruises, a $5,000 travel voucher from Intrepid Travel, a Drag Race prize basket, among other items.

The 2026 Changemakers recognized were:

Asian Queer Alliance, championed by Bowen Yang – Providing community events, social support and advocacy spaces by and for queer Asians of marginalized genders.

Fertility Friends Foundation, championed by Gigi Gorgeous – Providing educational resources and financial grants to help families access assisted reproductive treatments, including IVF, donor services and surrogacy.

Advocates for Trans Equality, championed by Emily Hampshire – Fighting for the legal and political rights of transgender people across the United States.

Alphabet Sports Collective, championed by Harrison Browne – Creating safer, more inclusive spaces in hockey where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can play, connect and lead.

HIV Legal Network, championed by Tim McCaskell – Promoting and defending the human rights of people living with or vulnerable to HIV and AIDS.

The Will Munro Fund at The 519, championed by Peaches – Providing emergency financial assistance to 2SLGBTQIA+ people living with cancer in Ontario, helping ease financial hardship and improve quality of life.

The 2026 Pink Awards were proudly presented with the support of DECIEM – The Abnormal Beauty Company, alongside BMO, Fairmont Royal York, Shaftesbury Inc., Tony’s Chocolonely, Destination Ontario, The Globe and Mail, Crave and iHeartRadio Canada.

The Pink Carpet and awards ceremony will be available to stream on Crave’s YouTube channel within the next week

About Pink Triangle Press
Founded in 1971, Pink Triangle Press produces 2SLGBTQIA+ journalism at Xtra Magazine and through a variety of content distribution channels in Canada and abroad. The Press operates travel site Pink Ticket Travel, a gay adult dating website, and has produced a number of television projects. PTP also produces the annual Pink Awards, celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ changemakers and their contributions to the community. The organization began as a gay liberation newspaper, The Body Politic, named by Masthead Magazine as one of “Canada’s 20 most influential magazines of all time.”

(Photo credit: Lilac Media Group)